Brad Rothschild

Francois the Tree Man is far from his wife and three small children in Quebec, selling Christmas trees and living in a van on the streets of New York City. He does it for them. But this is home, too. Like the hundreds of Christmas tree sellers who descend upon the city from Canada, New England and even Europe, Francois delivers the magic of the season over a grueling month in his adopted neighborhood. He's a star, a storyteller, a Santa Claus in a sap-stained coat, a confidant, a friend, and a father figure to the local characters who are his New York family. They also need him. TREE MAN is the story of Francois's journey, how he arrived here, what holds him, and the conflict that will cause him to leave. As one of Francois' long-time customers says: "This has nothing to do with the trees anymore."

Upon completing his service in the Israel Defense Forces, Kobi Zucker needed to get away from the pressures of the Middle East. With memories of his time there on his mind, he comes to New York City on his way to South America. While working to earn money for his trip, Kobi meets the girl of his dreams beautiful and intelligent Leila. But Leila is Palestinian, having come to New York from the West Bank with her family following the death of her oldest brother during the Intifada. Despite differences, Kobi and Leila fall in love. Meanwhile, Leila's only surviving brother, Ghazi, is having his own troubles adapting to life in his new country. Ghazi increasingly comes under the spell of a radical Muslim preacher. Ghazi now determined to prevent Leila from dishonoring her family while Leila struggles with her feelings for Kobi and her past. Can love overcome the ancient hatreds and unhealed wounds dividing Israelis and Palestinians?