Gaza Captive Survivor Slams "NAZA" Film Directors for Anti-Israel Portrayal

Eliya Cohen, a former Hamas hostage from Gaza captivity, has strongly condemned the film "NAZA" and its directors, Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, following the movie's receipt of a Special Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival. Cohen expressed "unimaginable anger" on social media, accusing the filmmakers of spreading falsehoods against Israel and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). He questioned how the directors could return to Israel after being honored for a film he characterized as hostile to the Jewish state.

While acknowledging the filmmakers' right to free expression in a democracy, Cohen insisted that their accusations could not go unanswered. He called for public action against the film's creators, suggesting protests and public displays, while emphasizing the need to avoid illegal activities. Cohen stated that the directors should feel "ashamed" in public and declared that "the blood of our friends and that of Jews in the diaspora" was "on their hands."

Cohen highlighted the sacrifices of Israeli soldiers in securing his release and protecting the public, arguing that the filmmakers were humiliating those who fought for his return and for the safety of Israeli families. He warned that the film's narrative could increase hostility towards Israelis and Jews abroad, potentially leading to verbal or physical attacks on Israelis in Europe simply for speaking Hebrew.

The controversy has already prompted reactions from Israeli political and military figures. IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir has ordered a review of potential legal actions against the film and its production team.