Is there a relationship between hatred and fear?

Of course.

Is it justified, perhaps?

This, it is difficult to say.

"On the Road to Tel Aviv" examines this relationship between hatred and fear by examining the story of a young Israeli man (Guy Arieli) who eyes a suspicious Arab boarding the same bus his fiancee' (Orit Fisher) has just entered to return to university at Tel Aviv. Afraid for her safety, he attempts to get her to leave the busy without causing a panic, but this is not possible in a nation where suicide bombings have become an all too common experience.

Soon, the relationship between hatred and fear surfaces and the grand debate begins.

Will they ride the bus with this suspicious woman?

Will this woman be searched?

Will the woman simply relinquish her seat to the fearful passengers?

Can peace possibly win out when there is so much hatred and fear?

When the right thing is done, as it is here, there are still times that we pay with our lives and choices, seemingly random, can be the difference between life and death.

Directed by Khen Shalem, who won a Student Oscar Award with his film "State of Sunshine," has crafted an excruciatingly powerful film based upon the stark realities of life in Israel. "On the Road to Tel Aviv" captures the beauty of everyday life in Israel, but Shalem places it squarely against the backdrop of the underlying tension that always exists in the nation at conflict.  It is Shalem's ability to balance the humanity with the tragedy of the situation that makes "On the Road to Tel Aviv" such a haunting and lasting film.

The entire cast, but especially leads Orit Fisher and Guy Arieli, are unforgettable in the ways in which they bring to life how even the most basic of choices can change one's life forever.

Beautifully photographed, strongly acted and powerfully written, "On the Road to Tel Aviv" is a touchingly human look at the inhumanity of life in a war zone.