Acclaimed Israeli Director Criticizes Public Response to Hostage Crisis

Internationally renowned Israeli director Hagai Levi, known for "In Treatment" and "The Affair," has delivered a scathing critique of Israeli society and its handling of the ongoing hostage crisis, suggesting a different outcome if the hostages were from the Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) community. Speaking on the podcast "Ad HaKatzé" (To the Edge) during a farewell episode for the Hebrew year 5786, Levi expressed his thoughts on emigration, his decision to disconnect from the news cycle, and a society he perceives as increasingly violent and polarized.

Levi, who was raised in the religious public sector, criticized the sector sharply. He also touched upon the emigration of educated Israelis, warning it could have financial repercussions for everyone. The director is currently seeking a different perspective on Israeli reality and searching for hope, partly inspired by his new series "Eti."

His series "Eti" is set to be screened at the "Series Mania" festival. The conversation also delved into the crisis of Israeli solidarity and Levi's personal struggles with the current state of affairs.