Over 1,000 Israeli Cultural Figures Sign Open Letter Defending Controversial Film

A public and political storm surrounding the controversial documentary "NezA" by creators Rachel Shore and Yuval Avraham has escalated, with over a thousand figures from Israel's film, cultural, and academic sectors signing a sharp letter of support. Prominent signatories include Shira Geffen, Shlomi Elkabetz, Nadav Lapid, and Hagai Levi. The open letter calls for immediate protection of freedom of expression and creation in Israel, warning that an unprecedented incitement campaign against Shore and Avraham is underway, "narrowing the gap between it and the spilling of blood and physical threats to their lives."

Beyond criticism directed at Culture Minister Miki Zohar and his statements about revoking the filmmakers' citizenship, the letter's authors also pointedly accuse media personalities and industry colleagues of attacking the work without having seen it. They expressed hope that the film would be screened in Israel soon.

"NezA," filmed on Tel Aviv rooftops during the war, has sparked international controversy by allegedly presenting testimonies from 24 members of Unit 8200 regarding assassination policies and the use of artificial intelligence. The IDF has fully denied these claims. Although the director refuses to reveal evidence for these allegations, the signatories urge the film's prompt distribution in Israel to facilitate a critical public discussion.

Separately, former hostage Lihi Albag recently posted a pointed message on Instagram, confronting Avraham about his brief military service and political views. Albag contrasted his discharge with the reality of October 7th, suggesting that even with limited service, he would have been considered a soldier by Hamas and potentially subjected to abuse in captivity, drawing on her own harrowing experience.