Threats Against 'NAZA' Directors Must Stop, IDA Tells Israel

Live updates

1. 56m ago

   IDA Urges Israel to Stop Threats Against NAZA Directors

   The International Documentary Association is demanding that the Israeli government halt its campaign of intimidation and withdraw threats against filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor. The directors face backlash over their new documentary NAZA, which features Israeli whistleblowers revealing civilian deaths in Gaza and aims to alter United States policy regarding the war. During the movie's New York City premiere, the creators addressed the ongoing threats. Meanwhile, protesters outside the venue screened October 7 footage, arguing that compassion for Palestinian civilians does not require erasing the attack.

   Why it matters

   The controversy surrounding NAZA highlights deep polarization over cultural expressions of the Gaza conflict, spreading from international film festivals to theatrical runs in the United States. The documentary follows earlier criticism of Israeli military conduct by whistleblowers and seeks to influence Western political perspectives. Separately, international tensions have spilled into sports, as seen when the Irish national football team staged silent protests and refused handshakes before a match against Israel in Hungary.

   What is confirmed

   • The International Documentary Association issued a public letter urging the Israeli government to withdraw its threats against NAZA filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor and to end a campaign of public intimidation against them.
   • Israeli-American protesters gathered outside the New York City premiere of NAZA to screen footage from October 7, stating that compassion for Palestinian civilians does not require erasing the attack.
   • The documentary NAZA features Israeli whistleblowers making revelations about civilian deaths in Gaza and the handling of the war by the Israel Defense Forces.

   What to watch next

   • Whether the Israeli government formally responds to the International Documentary Association letter
   • Further security measures or protests at upcoming screenings of NAZA during its theatrical and streaming rollout
   Sources used for this update (16)

   1. Al Jazeera — NAZA, Israeli film on Gaza, to stream for free after theatrical run
   2. jewishcurrents.org — NAZA Will Change How Americans Think About Israel
   3. The Conversation — In ‘NAZA,’ Israeli whistleblowers’ revelations about civilian deaths in Gaza reflect a longer history of Palestinian isolation
   4. Deadline — Threats Against 'NAZA' Directors Must Stop, IDA Tells Israel
   5. Variety — Israeli Americans Protest ‘NAZA’ by Screening October 7 Footage Outside New York Premiere: ‘Compassion For Palestinian Civilians Doesn’t Require Us to Erase October 7’
   6. The Guardian — NAZA film-makers address threats at documentary’s New York City premiere
   7. Ynetnews — ‘NAZA’ faces New York protest as Gaza documentary wins audience award in Spain
   8. jen.jiji.com — Ireland, the protest against Israel: no handshakes, bowed heads during anthem and armbands for Gaza
   9. www.hollywoodreporter.com — ‘NAZA’ Premieres in the U.S., Seeking Change and Stoking Controversy
   10. jen.jiji.com — **Publishing: Giuseppe De Bellis appointed managing editor Sole 24 Ore, Radio 24 and Radiocor** (2)
   11. deadline.com — Threats Against 'NAZA' Directors Must Stop, IDA Tells Israel
   12. www.yahoo.com — Christians being targeted in Nigeria
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