In 1949, Jewish refugees from all parts of post-war Europe arrive in Israel via the port of Haifa. At the King David camp, German refugee and former world-renowned vaudevillian and juggler Hans Muller soothes Susy, a young girl distressed by the camp's rough surroundings. Hans is unnerved by a woman speaking German to her children and mistakes them for his dead wife and daughters. An acquaintance, Willy Schmidt, calms Hans, but later, the juggler grows despondent when he realizes that he has no practical skills to offer the flourishing camp. Willy asks Dr. Traube to see Hans, who angrily rejects the physician's suggestion that he consult a psychiatrist to help him adjust to his war-time experiences and the loss of his family. Agitated, Hans leaves the camp for downtown Haifa, but panics when innocently questioned by police officer Kogan. When Kogan persists, Hans calls him a Nazi, beats him severely and flees as bystander Emile Halevy accuses him of murder. The following day, police detective Karni interviews Halevy and a search for Hans starts. Asleep in a park, Hans is awakened by some boys playing soccer and tells them that he is an American. One of the boys, Yehoshua Bresler, offers to guide Hans to Nazareth. Nervous about the army patrol, Hans agrees, dubbing Yehoshua "Josh." At a newsstand later that day, Hans learns that Kogan is alive, but in serious condition, and that his attacker is being sought. Led to the immigration camp by information provided by Kogan, Karni interviews Traube and later, in Jerusalem, speaks with Willy and gets a photograph of Hans, which Hans had given to Susy. On their trek, Josh informs Hans that he lost his parents in the war and is proud of being a "Sabrah," an Israeli native, hardened and strong. Josh is impressed by Hans's juggling skill and Hans agrees to teach him the trade. Near the Hill of Galilee kibbutz, Hans and Josh ignore a warning bell and inadvertently stumble into an active mine field, where Josh is injured when a mine detonates. Waiting to learn of Josh's condition, Hans accepts the hospitality of a single young woman, Ya'El, who explains the workings of the cooperative community which, without electricity, remains entirely isolated yet self-sufficient. Kibbutz leader Mordecai invites Hans to remain in the community, but upon learning that Josh has only suffered a broken leg, Hans plans to depart, despite the boy's emotional protest. Ya'El agrees to lead Hans to the nearest bus stop along the Syrian border, but warns Hans of the danger in the area. On their hike to the bus stop the following day, Ya'El notes the concentration camp tattoo on Hans's arm and asks him about his experience. Hans reveals that his family perished in the camp and admits that he believed that being a famous German would save him. He also describes his terrible guilt for having survived. When Ya'El and Hans spot the Syrian army patrol, Hans grabs Ya'El's rifle, but she prevents him from firing. Sensing Hans's great inner torment, Ya'El suggests that he remain at the kibbutz to try and regain some inner peace. Hans warns Ya'El of his instability, but promises to stay as long as he is able. Back at the kibbutz, a supply truck brings newspapers, and Hans distracts Mordecai from reading about his attack on Kogan. Meanwhile, Karni continues to track Hans and Josh's movements and nears Galilee. Hans attempts to settle into the kibbutz, which is in the midst of a large seasonal celebration, but the juggler admits to Ya'El that despite his growing affection for her, he still feels he must move on. Ya'El returns Hans's feelings and pleads with him to remain. Hans again reluctantly agrees and continues to teach juggling to the recovering Josh. On the night that Hans and Josh agree to participate in a show for the community, Karni and other policemen arrive. Panicked, Hans flees and when others in the community give chase, the juggler hides in Ya'El's cabin with a gun. Terrified by being surrounded, Hans refuses to come out and threatens suicide. Ya'El asks Karni to allow her to help and she beseeches Hans to give himself up. Hans eventually comes out of the house, brandishing the rifle before collapsing in Ya'El's embrace and appealing for help.
