NYC Protesters Challenge Anti-Israel Film at Lincoln Center
On Saturday, demonstrators gathered outside Lincoln Center in New York City to protest the North American premiere of the documentary NAZA, which critics say portrays Israel and the IDF in a one‑sided light. The protest featured Israeli flags, footage from the October 7 attacks, and statements from…
By Felo News Desk · Published
On Saturday, a small but determined group of demonstrators braved a chilly nor’easter outside Lincoln Center in Columbus Circle to protest the North American premiere of the documentary NAZA. The film, which has been criticized for its portrayal of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Gaza conflict, sparked a heated response from supporters of Israel who argue that the documentary misrepresents the facts of the October 7 attacks.
What Happened at Lincoln Center
As the film’s premiere began, protesters gathered with Israeli flags and signs, holding up placards that read “History cannot be altered” and “We need to bring all voices.” The demonstrators were joined by survivors of the Nova Music Festival attack, including Shalev Biton, who recounted the horror of the day and urged viewers to consider both sides of the conflict. The protest was organized by the Israeli-American Council (IAC), which also arranged for four trucks to circulate the area, projecting footage from the October 7 attacks and counter‑claims to the documentary’s narrative.
Critics of NAZA Cite Alleged Bias
Noa Peri‑Jensch of the IAC told reporters that the film “tries to portray the IDF or Israel as a group of people who are trying to make systematic killing, which couldn’t be further from the truth.” She argued that the documentary omits key historical context and relies on anonymous sources that have not been independently verified. Peri‑Jensch also called for filmmakers to present a balanced view, stating, “We need to show the truth, and not spread lies.”
The documentary, created by Israeli filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szorin in collaboration with The Guardian, claims that the Israeli military had a “code” for how many civilians would die in airstrikes and includes an anonymous source who allegedly said that killing Palestinians with AI was “insanely fun.” These allegations have led to accusations of misinformation and a call for greater accountability in documentary filmmaking.
Supporters of the Film Respond
Proponents of NAZA, including The Guardian, have defended the film’s investigative approach. They point out that the documentary features interviews with 24 members of Israeli intelligence and military, who agreed to remain anonymous. The Guardian maintains that the sources were vetted and that the film follows standard practices in investigative journalism. The film also received a 24‑minute ovation at the Venice Film Festival during its premiere, indicating that it has found an audience among some international viewers.
Survivors Speak Out
Shalev Biton, a 27‑year‑old survivor of the Nova Festival attack, expressed his frustration with what he sees as a one‑sided narrative. “I am here to show that this thing happened to both sides,” Biton told reporters. He described the emotional impact of seeing footage of people he knew who died during the attacks, noting that the protest trucks’ displays were a powerful reminder of the human cost of the conflict.
David Cohen, a New York resident, also weighed in on the protest. He said, “Show the film, no problem, but understand the circumstances. It’s a horrible situation but what we stand for is important.” Cohen’s comments reflect a broader debate about how to discuss and represent the Gaza conflict in public forums.
What Happens Next?
While the protest concluded without incident, the controversy surrounding NAZA continues to unfold. The filmmakers have pledged to release additional documentation to support their claims, and the IAC plans to hold further discussions with community leaders to address concerns about bias and accuracy. As the film’s release spreads beyond New York, both sides of the debate will likely intensify, with more screenings and protests expected in other major cities.
For now, the NAZA premiere remains a flashpoint for discussions about media representation, the ethics of documentary filmmaking, and the complex realities of the Israel‑Palestine conflict. The outcome of these conversations may influence how future documentaries approach sensitive geopolitical topics.
Key facts
- NAZA film accused of one‑sided portrayal of Israel and the IDF
- Protesters used Israeli flags and footage from the October 7 attacks
- IAC demanded a balanced narrative and criticized anonymous sources
- Survivors like Shalev Biton expressed frustration over the film’s claims
- The Guardian and filmmakers defend the documentary’s investigative methods
- Future discussions and screenings will likely intensify the debate
Why it matters
The NAZA protest highlights the ongoing tension over how the Israel‑Palestine conflict is portrayed in media, underscoring the importance of balanced reporting and the impact such narratives have on public perception.
Frequently asked questions
What is the documentary NAZA about?
NAZA is a film that examines the Gaza conflict and the actions of the Israel Defense Forces, using interviews with anonymous Israeli military and intelligence personnel.
Why did protesters gather outside Lincoln Center?
They wanted to challenge the film’s portrayal of Israel and the IDF, arguing that it misrepresents the facts of the October 7 attacks and relies on unverified sources.
Who organized the protest?
The protest was organized by the Israeli-American Council (IAC), which also arranged for trucks to display counter‑footage.
Sources
- [1] nypost.com — originally reported as “Protesters brave nor’easter outside premiere of anti-Israel documentary at NYC film festival”
