Protesters Rally Against Anti-Israel Film at NY Film Festival
Hundreds gather outside Lincoln Center to oppose ‘NAZA’ documentary, accusing it of antisemitism and misinformation.
2 min read
Hundreds of Israelis and Jewish Americans gathered outside the Lincoln Center in New York City on Saturday to protest the premiere of the documentary ‘NAZA’ at the New York Film Festival. The film, which has sparked controversy for its portrayal of the October 7 attacks in Israel, was met with strong opposition from attendees who accused it of incitement and antisemitism.
Protesters Demand Accurate Narrative
The rally, organized by the Israeli-American Council (IAC), featured LED screens mounted on trucks that displayed footage from the October 7 attack, including videos filmed by Hamas terrorists during the assault on the Nova festival. Protesters waved Israeli and U.S. flags, as well as signs reading ‘Learn the facts. Know the truth.’
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has condemned the film, calling it a form of ‘global antisemitic incitement.’ He previously criticized the film’s screening at the Venice Film Festival, stating, ‘When it comes from within us, it’s simply unbearable.’ The head of the Israeli military has also vowed to track down any soldiers who cooperated with the project.
Documentary Faces Criticism for Methodology
The film, directed by Oscar-winning filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, relies entirely on anonymous sources and untested assertions. Protesters argued that the film’s claims are based on false information and contribute to global antisemitism. The IAC stated its goal was to counter the film’s narrative with verified documentation of the October 7 events, ensuring the massacre is not forgotten.
Among the participants were Nova festival survivors and individuals who saved lives during the attack, such as Rom El-Hai, Shelev Biton, and Younes Al-Garnaoui. The film, which is named after the Hebrew acronym for ‘collateral damage,’ claims the Israeli military used AI for targeting in Gaza and accepted high civilian casualties early in the war. However, the IDF has dismissed these claims as inaccurate.
Political and Cultural Backlash
Israel’s Culture Minister, Miki Zohar, has called for the filmmakers’ citizenship to be revoked, accusing them of ‘treason against the state.’ The film, which was produced by the British Guardian newspaper, was filmed in secret on rooftops in Tel Aviv and is based on reporting from 2023 to 2025. Its release has ignited a broader debate about the role of media in shaping public perception of the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Source: Breitbart
