REFUGE – Review by Lois Alter Mark
If you’ve ever despaired that America is too divided to come together again, you’re about to experience a glimmer of hope. Refuge, an inspiring documentary about the unlikely friendship between a former KKK leader and a Muslim cardiologist, proves that hate can be unlearned – and it should be required viewing by every single person in the country.
The movie opens in rural Georgia, with Chris, a veteran and father of two, matter-of-factly showing off his white nationalist tattoos and explaining the meaning behind them. He brags that his young son “is in tune, tactically” and is skilled in disarming. This is terrifying because you know Chris is passing down his blatant hatred for Muslims when he admits, “If teaching him to be proud of his heritage makes him a racist, then I’ll make him a racist.” As a viewer, it’s difficult to stomach the fact that this man is raising children.
Meanwhile, across town, a Muslim doctor named Heval is caring for his fellow refugees. Heval fled Syria many years ago and, as he explains, “Refugees don’t choose to come to the US.” They are basically forced out because their lives are in danger. Clarkston is known for welcoming people from all over the world and has become one of the most diverse areas in the country. Residents take care of and look out for each other, despite their cultural differences. In many ways, it is a model community.
Chris tries to get his wife involved in the KKK but she has doesn’t want to have anything to do with it. She researches “how to get a loved one out of a hate group” and everything starts to change. Chris reluctantly meets with Arno Michaelis, a former white supremacist and author of My Life After Hate, who really listens to him and helps him understand where his feelings come from – painkillers, war – and why they’re not doing anybody any good. “There’s a huge difference between patriotism and nationalism,” he explains.
Arno asks Chris and Heval to meet with each other – something neither of them is eager to do. And suddenly it becomes personal. As they spend time with each other’s families and share their feelings and beliefs, Chris comes to see Heval for himself rather than for his religion. Although huge respect has to go to both men for reaching across the aisle, it’s disheartening that the one being persecuted is always the one called upon to prove he doesn’t deserve to be.
That being said, it’s wonderful to see the men genuinely become friends and get involved in each other’s lives. There’s a lovely moment at the end when Heval gets married while Chris and his wife renew their vows. The symbolism of their commonality is clear.
Refuge provides a much-needed blueprint for change in this country. If only we’re brave enough to follow it. (Note: If you’re worried about someone you know being radicalized, contact Parents for Peace.)
