Filmmaker Fears Return to Israel After Gaza War Testimony Film

Yuval Abraham, the creator of the film "NezA," which recently won a prestigious critics' award at the Venice Film Festival, expressed fear about returning to Israel due to the controversy surrounding his documentary. The film presents 24 testimonies from soldiers of Unit 8200 detailing IDF operations during the war in Gaza, with some interviewees alleging involvement in "war crimes and genocide" and describing destruction in Gaza.

During an interview on Channel 13, Abraham told host Raviv Drucker that while Israel is his home and he wishes to live there, he is afraid for his life following the public outcry. "Of course, it's difficult. The country is my home, it's a place I want to live in and it's a place that is so important to me. Of course, I'm afraid I won't be able to return. What will I do abroad?" Abraham stated.

Drucker, known for his critical stance against the Israeli government, shared his own reaction after watching the film, describing it as an intensely difficult viewing experience. "I've never had such a hard time watching a film. I shrank in my seat. 'NezA' made me feel like a German living during World War II hearing what his people did. The feeling was so strong that the defensive, explanatory Israeli came out of me," Drucker said.

The film, a production of The Guardian, has drawn strong reactions, including a demand from Israel's Minister of Culture and Sport, Miki Zohar, to the Ministry of Interior to examine revoking the Israeli citizenship of Abraham and co-creator Rachel Shor. Zohar requested an investigation into the origins of the testimonies and whether their collection or publication constituted treason or aiding the enemy during wartime. "Israeli citizenship represents a fundamental connection between the citizen and his state. Freedom of expression cannot serve as a cover for acts of treason or aiding the enemy during wartime. If it turns out that the filmmakers crossed that line, the State of Israel must act to revoke their citizenship," Zohar announced.