Close to Home 2007

Mirit, portrayed by Naama Schendar, is a thoughtful and introspective young woman hailing from a respectable family, who makes the significant decision to enlist in the IDF. She aspires to take on responsibilities that bear weight and import, seeking a role where she can exert influence. However, her hopes are met with a stark reality when she is assigned to a Border Police unit composed of female soldiers, a group characterized by its eclectic mix of personnel and an alarming lack of adequate training.

The unit’s primary task involves checking the identification cards of individuals passing through the bustling streets of Jerusalem, under the belief that such vigilance could potentially thwart terrorist acts. Yet, despite their seemingly vital role, the effectiveness of this unit remains questionable. In practice, the environment is rife with tension, as the female soldiers often find themselves harassing unsuspecting passersby, reflecting a pervasive lack of seriousness and commitment toward their duties. Service in this capacity devolves into a tedious and disheartening experience for many.

Mirit finds herself particularly challenged in her partnership with Smadar Sayar, a fellow soldier who starkly contrasts her own disposition. Smadar is a force of exuberance, pushing Mirit to break free from her shell of shyness and engage with the men they encounter along their patrols. This unexpected urge leads Mirit into precarious situations, including a flirtation that culminates in an ill-advised dance with hotel guests she is ostensibly meant to be guarding. Her actions do not go unnoticed, and as a consequence, she finds herself incarcerated in military prison.

However, amidst the complications of their service, Mirit and Smadar navigate through profound crises that serve to fortify their bond. One fateful day brings an explosion in the Nahalat Shiva neighborhood, a moment that propels them into chaos and embodies the dangers of their situation. Additionally, they face a harrowing near-lynching scenario when they interact with a man who refuses to provide his ID, an event that tests their resolve and partnership. Through these shared adversities, a deep and resilient friendship blossoms between Mirit and Smadar, binding them together as they confront the complexities of their roles and the tumultuous reality surrounding them.