Afula Mayor Bans Controversial "Nezah" Film Over IDF Smear Claims

The mayor of Afula, Avi Elkabetz, has issued a strict ban on the screening of the documentary film "Nezah" within the city limits. The decision follows the film's controversial screening at the Venice Film Festival, which Elkabetz claims has caused significant reputational damage by denigrating IDF soldiers and ignoring the atrocities committed by Hamas terrorists on October 7th.

In a strongly worded letter to local authorities and fellow mayors, Elkabetz declared that the film would not be shown under any circumstances, neither in public municipal buildings nor in private venues. He stated, "As someone who accompanied 20 families from Afula who lost their dearest during the war forced upon us by Hamas terrorists starting October 7th, and who shared the pain of an entire nation, I want to say that the filmmakers have spat in the face of the country's residents in general and thousands of bereaved families in particular."

Elkabetz vowed, "I will not allow the film to be screened in Afula, not even privately. And I call on my fellow mayors to act as I do. We have finished being silent." He further pledged to personally lead a protest outside any private venue that attempts to screen the film, holding pictures of the murdered and fallen soldiers from the city.