Israeli Diaspora Protests Screening of Gaza War Documentary in Los Angeles

Dozens of members of the Israeli and Jewish communities in Los Angeles demonstrated on Friday outside the Laemmle NoHo 7 cinema in North Hollywood during a screening of the documentary "Nezar." The film, which focuses on the IDF's operations in the Gaza Strip during the war and features testimonies from soldiers and intelligence officers, has sparked controversy in Israel and abroad due to its claims against the military. Critics argue that the film presents a distorted picture of the fighting and ignores the context of the October 7th attacks.

The protest, organized by the Israeli-American Council (IAC), took place in front of the cinema's entrance. Participants, draped in Israeli and American flags, carried signs with messages such as "Learn the Facts, Know the Truth" and "Films Have Editors. History Does Not." Images from the October 7th massacre and signs calling for the return of hostages were also displayed. Protesters sang "Am Yisrael Chai" and engaged with attendees about their concerns regarding the film.

"Our message is clear: wherever lies are told about Israel, we will be there with the truth," said Aya Shechter, the IAC's Chief Operating Officer and one of the protest leaders. "Everyone who came out yesterday is saying loud and clear, we stand with Israel. Especially around October 7th, we do not forget the murdered and the fallen, and we stand here also for those who can no longer stand here and shout the truth themselves."

"Nezar," which won a jury prize at the Venice Film Festival, is based on anonymous testimonies from Israeli military and intelligence personnel describing what they claim are intelligence gathering methods and target selection for strikes in Gaza. The film raises serious allegations regarding civilian harm during the fighting. However, the IDF has rejected the central claims, stating the film is based on factual errors and presents a distorted and manipulative picture of the military's actions.

This is not the first protest the IAC has organized against screenings of the film. Similar demonstrations were held in New York during its North American premiere at the New York Film Festival, and in the Hamptons. The organization emphasizes that it does not seek to prevent screenings but to ensure that audiences are also exposed to testimonies and information not presented in the film, particularly the events of the October 7th massacre. Concurrently, the IAC is promoting a petition urging film festivals, cultural institutions, and cinemas across the US to accompany "Nezar" screenings with audience discussions, survivor testimonies, and additional background materials.