Israeli actress Gal Gadot is sparking controversy with her plan to host a screening of “Bearing Witness,” a film compiled by the Israeli Defense Forces and directed by Guy Nattiv, that depicts nearly an hour of nonstop carnage undertaken by Hamas in Israel. The film showcases graphic footage and images of Hamas’ Oct. 7 rampage, with the intention of providing a more accurate representation of the events that took place.
Gal Gadot, known for her role as Wonder Woman, is lending her support to the project in an effort to shed light on what really happened during the attack. However, the screening is facing criticism from various organizations and activists, both pro-Israel and pro-Palestine, who believe that the film presents a one-sided view of the conflict.
Several pro-Palestine supporters, including the activist organization Jewish Voice for Peace, have condemned the screening as a “propaganda event” that fails to capture the full picture of the ongoing war. They argue that the film does not address the thousands of innocent civilians being killed in the crossfire, and that it serves to fan the flames of war and genocide.
The Alliance for Middle East Peace, another pro-Palestine organization, has expressed concern about the impact of the graphic images on traumatized people in the region and around the world. The organization believes that the focus should be on repairing relations between Israelis and Palestinians and furthering peace, rather than perpetuating a cycle of violence.
Additionally, the organization accuses Gal Gadot of being used by the Israeli government to push their agenda, suggesting that her involvement in the project is part of an effort to win a “proxy war” in the court of public opinion. They argue that the real solution to ending the violence lies in showing the bloodshed in its full scope, both from Israel and Gaza.
On the other hand, Israel has maintained that the citizens were butchered in the attack, and that it is virtually impossible to make Hamas pay in a surgical method. They have emphasized their efforts to avoid civilian casualties in Gaza and have issued ample warnings about airstrikes. The screening of “Bearing Witness” is expected to serve as a platform for Israel to defend its actions and draw attention to the brutality of the attack.
The screening is set to take place at an undisclosed location, with reports indicating that over 120 people have been invited to attend. The event is expected to kick off in Los Angeles, and depending on the reception, more screenings may be organized in the future.
As the controversy surrounding the screening continues, it remains to be seen how the film will be received by those who watch it. Whether it will succeed in presenting a more accurate account of the events or serve as a tool for propaganda remains a point of contention among various stakeholders.
