Over 40 Israeli organizations sign joint statement in solidarity with NAZA filmmakers

Forty-three Israeli human rights, equality, and peace organizations issued a joint statement supporting NAZA filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor after threats against them. The statement condemned calls to revoke their citizenship and prosecute them, following backlash over the documentary's Venice Film Festival award and a promo describing IDF AI targeting software in Gaza. The statement warned that persecution and attempts to silence dissent are characteristic of dictatorial regimes.

Forty-three Israeli human rights, equality, and peace organizations issued a joint statement on Tuesday supporting NAZA filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, following a wave of threats against them. The backlash was sparked after the documentary won the Special Jury Award at the Venice Film Festival and a promo was published in which an anonymous IDF soldier described AI targeting software used during the campaign in Gaza. The statement called on Israeli authorities to cease threats and refrain from calls to revoke the filmmakers' citizenship or legally prosecute them and their sources. Culture Minister Miki Zohar characterized the film as "horrifying" and an "act of treason against the state," and said he would take immediate action to revoke the filmmakers' citizenship. The statement warned that persecution and attempts to silence dissent are characteristic of dictatorial regimes. The statement noted that most members of the organizations had not seen the film, as it has yet to be fully released, but called for the allegations raised in the film to be thoroughly investigated and for independent journalists to be allowed to report from Gaza. The joint statement follows a petition signed by over 1,000 Israeli filmmakers in solidarity with the filmmakers.