Berkley Center

This film guide provides a teaching and learning overview of Suicide Bombers: Inside the Minds of Failed Martyrs, a 2004 documentary that examines the backgrounds, motivations, training, and political and religious beliefs of five Palestinian suicide bombers dedicated to attacking Israel. The documentary also explores the challenges Israeli security forces must confront in responding to such attacks. In addition, Sari Nusseibeh, president of Al-Quds University, speaks about the root causes of suicide bombings and how the trend may be minimized. The film guide includes a synopsis of the film, historical context for the events the film documents, profiles of the five men in the film, a list of key terms, discussion questions, and a list of supplemental readings for further information on the subject.