A new documentary revisits the 1985 bombing that killed Palestinian activist Alex Odeh, shedding light on the unresolved circumstances surrounding his death and the broader political tensions it reflects. Odeh, who was the West Coast regional director of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, died when a pipe bomb detonated as he opened the door to his office in Santa Ana, California, on October 11, 1985.
The film, directed by Jason Osder and William Lafi Youmans, does not seek to provide definitive answers about who was responsible for Odeh’s killing. Instead, it explores the complex environment in which the attack occurred, drawing on archival footage, news reports, and interviews to examine the lingering impact of the event.
Odeh was widely respected for his work promoting interfaith unity among Muslims, Jews, and Christians, and his death was mourned by family and community leaders. However, the Jewish Defense League (JDL), a far-right militant group active at the time, was implicated by the FBI as a possible perpetrator. The JDL, led then by Irv Rubin, denied involvement. Rubin is seen in the film making a highly controversial statement, saying he felt no sympathy for Odeh’s death. Following the bombing, several JDL members reportedly fled to Israel.
Despite the FBI’s early identification of the JDL as suspects and promises to continue investigating, no arrests have been made. Over the decades, Odeh’s family has grown increasingly resigned to the case remaining unsolved. Marking the 40th anniversary of the killing last year, the FBI issued a public appeal for information, underscoring the enduring uncertainty.
As the documentary progresses, the Israeli investigative journalist David Sheen takes up the case. Utilizing internet-based research, Sheen uncovers leads regarding the whereabouts of the men who fled to Israel—information that had not previously been accessible to investigators. This discovery raises questions about why the case has not advanced toward resolution.
The film also situates Odeh’s murder within the wider political landscape, tracing right-wing activism in Israel and conflicts in the West Bank from the 1980s onward. It includes unsettling encounters with hard-right figures who openly express support for violent actions, illustrating the ongoing tensions that form the backdrop of the unresolved case.
While some viewers may find the documentary’s scope somewhat diffuse and its treatment of Odeh’s life brief in comparison to its focus on his death, it effectively captures the emotional resonance of a long-standing unresolved crime. The film resists the conventions of typical true-crime narratives by emphasizing the difficulties families face seeking justice and the political complexities that impede closure.
Ultimately, the documentary raises urgent questions about accountability and the challenges of addressing politically charged violence that remains unresolved decades later.