Israeli-American Groups Protest Documentary NAZA at Los Angeles Theater

Dozens of Israeli-Americans and members of the Jewish community gathered outside the Laemmle NoHo 7 theater in North Hollywood on Friday to protest the screening of the documentary NAZA. The film, directed by Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, was described by its creators as an effort to examine the events surrounding the October 7 attacks in Israel.

Protesters wrapped in Israeli and American flags carried signs reading “Learn the Facts. Know the Truth.” and “Movies Have Editors. History Does Not.” Images of the October 7 attack and posters calling for the return of hostages were also displayed.

"Our message is clear: wherever lies are told about Israel, we will show up with the truth," said Aya Shechter, chief operating officer of the Israeli-American Council (IAC), adding that participants were standing with Israel and remembering the victims of the October 7 incident.

The IAC had organized similar protests during the film’s September premiere at the New York Film Festival, where survivors Rom El-Hai and Shalev Biton spoke. IAC co-chair Tal Shuster emphasized that the protest was not aimed at banning the film but at ensuring that additional perspectives are presented.

"We’re here not because we’re saying, don’t show the film. Everyone has the freedom of speech, that’s the United States. We are saying: it’s not all the facts. Show everything else, not just the documentary," Shuster said.

Shuster called for panels featuring survivors and for the inclusion of broader factual context about the October 7 events, noting the casualties and kidnappings reported.

The protest highlighted ongoing tensions over how the conflict is portrayed in media and the desire of some community groups to provide what they consider a more complete narrative.