German-Funded Film Comparing IDF to Nazis Sparks Controversy in Haifa
A German-funded film equating the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) with Nazi crimes during the Holocaust is set to be screened in Haifa. The screening, scheduled for Wednesday, is organized by the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation, a German political foundation affiliated with the left-wing Die Linke party, which operates in Israel with public funding from the German government. The film, titled "Gaza: Eyewitnesses," was previously shown in Ramallah, the UK, and at the Freedom Theatre in Jenin, a cultural institution once linked to terrorist leader Zakaria Zubeidi.
The Palestinian filmmaker Hossam Al-Mada, who created the film, draws parallels between Israeli military actions in Gaza and Nazi propaganda that dehumanized Jews, claiming Israel similarly dehumanizes Palestinians to justify alleged war crimes and genocide. The film was directed by Israeli dramaturge Ofira Henig, known for her critical stance on Israeli policies and affiliation with the group Breaking the Silence.
Critics argue that the film uses artistic expression to portray Israel and the IDF in an extremely negative light, accusing them of war crimes and genocide through Holocaust comparisons. They also criticize the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation for not publicly disclosing event details, limiting information to registered attendees. Opponents see this as an example of European public funds promoting a Palestinian narrative that delegitimizes Israel.
Shai Glick, CEO of B’Tselem, condemned the German government's funding of what he called incitement films against Israel, calling on the Israeli Foreign Ministry and police to shut down the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation's offices in Israel. He described the situation as "absurd and serious," urging an end to foreign political subversion within Israel.
The controversy highlights ongoing tensions over European funding of cultural and political activities in Israel that critics say foster anti-Israel narratives, now extending from Palestinian territories into Israeli cities like Haifa and Tel Aviv.
