Thanks to Imajrim from the forum who came across an interview with JJ and Tovah Feldshuh on JewReview.net.

"For JJ, jumping into this role was something he felt very close to. “I really wanted to be part of this important film; from then on, I gave it everything I got for the next year.”

With Tovah, it was stepping back into the role of Golda Meir from her time on Broadway in Golda’s Balcony. “She idolized [David] ben Gurion, whom she idolized. She was mad for his ethics, and helped him. I’ve spent a year and a half playing her, so if I couldn’t do that right, I’m a bumbling idiot.”

Coming up on the 60th anniversary of Israel, both Tovah and JJ reflected on their memories. “I think sadly, modern Israeli and Palestinian politics are not like they were in 1948; there were clear goals and ideals back then – and justifiably from both sides. Now, it’s been muddled and it’s gotten complicated. In 1948, they were fighting for land – both had justifiable arguments. Now, you have to ask what it the clear goal; there’s killings and refugees and bombings.

On the film, there were a lot of Israeli’s and Palestinians on the crew. On the 60th anniversary, I meet people and they’re letting go of the hostility – that’s lovely.” Tovah grew up watching the evolution of the country. “My first memory of giving tzedukah was to build a tree in Israel. In 1967, I was able to go to Israel; I remember the making of the trees. The Jews have clearly been viewed as the underdog; I was living in the North East corner of the United States and there was a real island of support of Israel and the Jewish people. It’s defending the piece of the Earth. People have bonded together, and are profound.”

O’ Jerusalem is based on the novel about the same subject; JJ says Elie captured the essence of the book and took it one step farther. “The book is so huge – and it’s a historical book – but it’s woven like a docudrama. Elie was very loyal, and it’s inspired by the book; he found a through line with these characters. The book is huge and is about 15 films. Bobby Goldman is based on a number of people.”

Even though they had such a short shooting schedule, working with Elie turned out to be well worth it. “He’s an actor, so he’s an actor’s director and has a huge passion for the piece,” says JJ. “He brought that with him on set, and from day 1, there wasn’t a rehearsal where we gave it all.”

“He shot very quickly, and didn’t spend time giving us any acting advice,” added Tovah. He was shooting; he got down to business, and spent a lot of time making sure it looked right. Elie painted the picture, and did an amazing job.”

Of course, shooting a film and watching a film are two completely different things; when JJ watched it on the big screen, he developed a great sense of pride. “I hope there are more films about that subject matter; you’ve got to throw everything out there. After watching it, I felt there should more talk about it.”

Seeing JJ transform into Bobby – and understanding the character – was a plus for Tovah. “He’s not Jewish or American. He was so kind, and he wouldn’t let me carry anything. I loved working with him and all the young actors.”

The film is definitely something people should be talking about, notes Tovah. “This is a realization that we can have peace in the Middle East one live body at a time. Friendship can go beyond a university setting and can be willfully extended in battle. I’m praying that the world, as we close in, I hope people will come away with unity.”

“Communication, love thy neighbor – no matter what race we are", added JJ. “Killing of any kind is not right; that’s what I take out of it. People who believe in the state of Israel – would you kill for it? Remember your friends and talk to each other.”

Some of the comments in this interview dont make grammatical or literal sense. I am not sure whether it was erroneously transcribed or whether it is faithful to the original interview.