Little Jerusalem 2006

In the bustling heart of an apartment on the outskirts of Paris, Laura (Fanny Valette), a dedicated student deeply engrossed in Kantian philosophy, lives alongside her sister Mathilde (Elsa Zylberstein), her brother-in-law Ariel, their four lively children, and their Tunisian mother. Despite her mother’s fervent attempts to secure a prosperous future for Laura through marriage, the steadfast young woman remains unwavering in her determination to lead a life rooted in principles, free from romantic complications. Laura’s yearning for autonomy intensifies her desire to escape the confines of her current environment, envisioning a vibrant existence in the very center of Paris.

Simultaneously, Mathilde’s seemingly blissful life begins to unravel when an unexpected finding—a stray hair on her husband’s coat—shatters her peace. Confronting Ariel about his betrayal, she learns of his infidelity, which leads her to make the life-altering decision to file for divorce. In search of guidance, Mathilde turns to a wise woman at the mikveh, who shares insights from the Torah regarding sexual relationships, encouraging her to explore ways to rekindle the passion with her spouse. As Mathilde gradually navigates the complexities of intimacy with Ariel, she also faces her own desires and emotional turmoil.

Meanwhile, Laura finds herself captivated by Djamel, a charming Muslim Algerian man working at the religious center where she volunteers. Though initially hesitant, she eventually musters the courage to express her feelings to Djamel. However, her heart is shattered when he reveals that his parents would require her to convert to Islam for their relationship to thrive. Overwhelmed by heartbreak, Laura resorts to her sister’s sleeping pills in a desperate bid to escape her sorrow, but fate intervenes, and she is saved just in time by Ariel.

In the wake of a heinous hate crime, the family confronts the grim reality of anti-Semitism, leading them to the difficult decision to relocate to Israel. As they prepare for this significant transition, Laura’s mother discreetly bequeaths her a cherished family heirloom—a ring smuggled out of Tunisia—with the fervent hope that Laura might consider selling it and staying in Paris, allowing her to follow her dreams and passions.