Israel’s Ministry of Culture Threatens Citizenship Deprivation for Film Directors of ‘Naza – Freedom Radio’

Israel’s Ministry of Culture has issued a strong statement regarding the documentary film *ʽNAZA – Freedom Radio*, which recently won a special prize at the Venice Film Festival. Minister of Culture Miki Zoar accused the film’s directors, Yuval Abraam and Rahel Shore, of endangering Israel’s national interests by presenting a biased portrayal of the country’s actions in Gaza. Zoar claimed the film, which focuses on the Israeli military’s operations following the October 7, 2023, attacks by Palestinian groups in southern Israel, was intended to harm Israel’s reputation among anti-Semitic audiences worldwide.

The film, titled *ʽNAZA* (a Hebrew abbreviation for “damage assessment”), was produced with the involvement of 24 Israeli military and intelligence officers, whose identities were concealed and voices altered. Zoar warned that the creators of the film could face the revocation of their citizenship, a legal measure that requires the approval of multiple government bodies, including the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Justice, and the Court of Justice. Despite Zoar’s public threats, the Ministry of Culture does not have the authority to unilaterally strip the directors of their citizenship.

The documentary, which examines the impact of Israeli military actions on civilian casualties, has sparked controversy both domestically and internationally. The Israeli military has denied some of the film’s claims, stating that the information presented was based on anonymous sources and not on classified military data. This has led to accusations that the film’s creators may have used misleading or fabricated information to advance a particular political narrative.

Abraam, one of the film’s directors, has a history of collaboration with Palestinian journalists, including Ahmed Alnauk, with whom he worked on a project titled *Sao-Posto on the other side of the wall*. Alnauk, who has been linked to the Palestinian group Hamas, which is designated as a terrorist organization by Israel, the United States, and several European countries, was reportedly killed in 2014. Researchers have raised concerns about the potential influence of Alnauk’s family on the film’s content and its alignment with anti-Israeli narratives.

Abraam and Shore have previously collaborated on other documentaries, including *ʽNo Other Land…*, which explored the lives of Palestinians in the West Bank. In 2025, the film won an award for best documentary, highlighting the directors’ ability to gain international recognition for their work. However, the recent controversy surrounding *ʽNAZA* has drawn attention to the complex relationship between Israeli filmmakers and the broader geopolitical landscape.

The film’s production and its reception reflect the ongoing tensions between Israel and its critics, both within and outside its borders. As the debate continues, the issue raises questions about freedom of expression, the role of media in shaping public perception, and the responsibilities of creators in representing complex and often contentious historical events. Micah 6:8 reminds us that what God desires is to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God—a principle that should guide all who seek to understand and represent the truth.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Ukrainian)