Members of the Israeli-American Council (IAC) assembled outside Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall on Saturday to protest the premiere of “NAZA,” a documentary the organization has condemned as “anti-Israel.” The protest occurred during the New York Film Festival screening of the film, which the IAC argues presents serious allegations regarding the IDF’s conduct in the Gaza Strip while omitting contradictory findings and failing to provide full context of the October 7 attacks.
Noa Peri-Jensch, chief communities officer of the IAC, addressed the crowd, emphasizing that empathy for Palestinian civilians should not necessitate ignoring the events of October 7. “We mourn every innocent life lost in this war, Israeli or Palestinian,” Peri-Jensch said. “But compassion for Palestinian civilians does not require us to erase October 7, ignore Hamas or accept one narrative without questioning it.” She added that the demonstration was intended to ensure that Israeli voices and experiences were heard alongside the film’s presentation.
As “NAZA” screened inside, more than 50 demonstrators gathered outside, where mobile LED trucks projected graphic footage from the October 7 attacks alongside portraits of the victims. Protesters held signs reading “LEARN THE FACTS. KNOW THE TRUTH,” and the venue was fortified with over a dozen police officers for security.
Peri-Jensch introduced Rom El-Hai, a survivor of the Nova music festival attack, who criticized the New York Film Festival for screening a film made by individuals he described as “traitors” to the Israeli cause. El-Hai stated that ample evidence of hatred and brutality exists, noting, “I took pictures of everything. I saw the hatred with my own eyes.”
Nova survivors sharing their stories at such events carries immense weight. Their firsthand testimony cannot be ignored by anyone.
The IAC is right about context, but omitting civilian suffering in Gaza is also a serious ethical issue. Both narratives deserve scrutiny.
Does screening counter-footage outside actually change minds, or does it just create more division among festival attendees?
I was completely surprised by the scale of the protest. Over 50 people with LED trucks outside Alice Tully Hall is quite intense for a film premiere.
It is vital that the NYFF presents a full picture, not just one side. Countering narratives with facts is the right approach.