Udi Aloni / Seinfeld, you were wrong to condemn our Toronto protest
Israeli filmmaker behind protest of Toronto Film Fest speaks out against 'celebration of occupation.'
By Udi Aloni Tags: Israel news West BankJewish international celebrities, from Jerry Seinfeld to Sacha Baron Cohen, have come out once again, riding the horses of glory, to save Israel from the cruel enemy, that is to save her from us, those fighting for human rights.
They have published a counter-declaration to the Toronto declaration. The latter, of which I am a co-drafter along with Naomi Klein, John Greyson and others, protests the cooperation between the Toronto Film Festival and the rebranding of the State of Israel as an enlightened democratic state (instead of an occupying state).
Whoever has read our declaration should know that we do not boycott any filmmaker and any Israeli film. We have simply protested the festival's choice, intentional or not, of celebrating Tel Aviv as part of the "Brand Israel" campaign.
Therefore I was surprised when the aforementioned celebrities, under the baton of the Israeli consul general in Los Angeles, attacked us on the basis of statements we had never issued ("blacklisting and censorship").
In fact, we have stated the opposite! One wonders in whose interest it is to circulate all over the world the mendacious claim that we are calling for a boycott against Israeli cinema. Who wishes to turn Israel (once more) into avictim? The answer is of course the Israeli consulate, Avigdor Lieberman's proxy.
In view of these false claims, I would like to reiterate: We give our blessing to every good piece of work coming from Israel or any other place in the world.
All we have asked for was that Israeli filmmakers and other artists not cooperate with Israeli embassies in the branding of Israel. My friends and I have appealed to Israeli artists, thinking that they truly oppose the occupying racist regime in Israel, and that they are merely being exploited unwillingly by the state and its ministry of foreign affairs.
However, it now seems that cooperation between some artists and the Israeli propaganda machine is closer thanwe thought. Shmulik Maoz did not hesitate to attack Jane Fonda for the boycott that she had allegedly declared against Israeli cinema (although he knows we have stated explicitly that we would not boycott any person), but he did not say a word when Minister of Culture Limor Livnat, known for her right wing views, called him and his fellow artists, upon his being awarded the Venice Film Festival prize, "the best ambassadors of the State of Israel".
At the exciting moment when he received the Golden Lion Prize in Venice, Shmulik Maoz did not dedicate his film "Lebanon" to the victims of that criminal war, the product of the Israeli government's arrogant and violent brain.
Nor did he ask forgiveness for his participation in the war. Nor did he speak of the Palestinians who are still suffering under a terrible occupation at the hands of the same army with which Shmulik had served in Lebanon.
He dedicated his film to the soldiers all over the world who return from battle with psychological damage, and who have not yet recovered even though they have children and families. That stance recalls another ceremony at which Ari Folman, another soldier-director, whose film "Waltz With Bashir" won a Golden Globe (alchemists indeed ? Israelisoldier-directors turn the trauma of conquering soldiers into puregold).
Ari was a direct or indirect participant in the terrible massacre at Sabra and Shatila. And what did Ari have to say? He too failed to ask forgiveness from the murder victims. Maybe he "only" sent up flares so that others could commit murder, as he claims. Maybe he stood with a machine-gun and prevented people from fleeing the slaughter. Who knows? He does not remember anything, and it did not occur to him for a moment to go and ask the real witnesses: the residents of the camps.
For Ari, the real testimony was not that of the witnesses; instead he turned to the Israeli military commentator Ron Ben-Yishai. For that same reason, when Ari stood on the stage before millions of people all over the world at the awards ceremony, he did not call for a halt to the slaughter that was going on in Gaza as he spoke, and which, like the nightmare described in his film, recurs like a terrible curse. He did not seek forgiveness from the residents of the camps, or even express sympathy with their suffering. Instead, he blessed all the children who were born to the crew while the film was being made. Mazel Tov indeed!
Listening to the empty speeches by Shmulik Maoz and Ari Folman, I came to realize that they are not haunted by the ghosts of their dead victims but rather, haunted only by the unpleasant images of war, and in their art they seek to create some peace for their soul.
They wish for the images to go away so that they, and not their victims, may finally get a good night's rest. Once more it is all about us. There is no place for the other, it is us and the west which will always be the subject (shooting and crying) where the Arab will continue to participate as nothing but an object.
That is why even if the Arab is the slain, even if it is clear that it is he who is the victim, he will remain the object. Not a full person, certainly not sovereign or free.
Dear Jerry Seinfeld, you have made me laugh countless times and indeed I love you. Please don't make a fool of yourself. Fight for the right of a Palestinian director to shoot a film in his homeland as a free man and do not go after those who take part in a legitimate protest.
We have no guns or warplanes that may kill women and children without distinction. We do have the right to protest. I expect a public apology from you for your part in the system of lies directed at us, the human rights activists in Israel, by the Israeli embassy in Canada, or rather suitable compensation for libel against me and my friends.
Personally speaking, I am against all forms of boycott against arts, regardless of the political view it conveys, but it is my right to protest against the cynical use of artists, us in Israel and you, the Jewish-American artists.
If it is real love of Israel which is in your hearts, please help us end the occupation, advise us on reaching a worldwide audience, correct us if you think we are overdoing it at times, but don?t cooperate with the occupation itself.
It has brought about the destruction of the Palestinian people and it will next bring about our own destruction, since there will be no free Israeli-Jew as long as the Palestinian is not free, having the same and equal rights.
You, Shmulik Maoz and Ari Folman, two exceptionally talented artists, you and the rest of the Israeli artists, please join our call "No Celebration Under Occupation." The debate about the part your films play in the Israeli propaganda campaign, can be interpreted by your actions and declarations, not just through your films.
To conclude, a call to all the Jewish artists in North America, Israel and elsewhere:
I think we should be asking ourselves not why Israeli directors create films about Lebanon (it makes sense that people will deal with their own scabs), and not even why Israel's government supports these films and uses them for its own aims.
The real question is why the image of an Israeli soldier, agonizing and crying, is so appealing to festival curators and audiences of the western world? When we find the answer to this question, we will be able to comprehend the unreasonable, international sympathy that the state of Israel is awarded, regardless of its actions, which are perceived by the same West itself as violent.
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How like a breath of fresh air is courage like that shown in this article. How stinky is the faux posturing of actors like Seinfeld with its pathetic attachment to organs of the state like the Israeli embassey in L.A.
Thanks Udi for your courageous article. It is amazing how an occupying power can cash in even on the conquest of another people. I am told that in Australia the only films about Palestinians that they will show have to be made by Israelis!! The fastest way to end the occupation is to stop the dehumanization of Palestinians and to reverse the one sided narrative that keeps the old theory of victors write the history alive. In today's electronic revolution, the world has the opportunity to hear first hand from the Palestinians. Directors like Elie Suleiman, Hani Abu Assaad, Rashid Masharawi, Michele Khleifi and Najwa Najjar are just a few of the new authentic Palestinian voices that should be heard and seen.
The whole Toronto protest is hypocrisy. Would they boycott Iranian films (as great as some of them are) because of the tyrannic regime? Probably not. So why boycott Israeli films, which are anti militaristic and often denounce the Israeli wars (even though they're partly funded by the government subsidies). Aloni and friends should see the half filled part of the glass. That you can make any film you want in Israel, without fear of censorship, that Israelis have the guts to criticize themselves more harshly than others, that they can print it on film and even get government subsidies to do it. So instead of protesting and advising others why doesn't Aloni make a good film for a change, and try to reach people's hearts and minds? Perhaps there lies the question...And perhaps Aloni has not understood that good films, the kind that resonate long after, are about personnal stories, often tragedies, and not about polictical messages. "If I want to send a message, I call Western Union"
Excellent article. But it makes me sad: Power always wins. Almost. In this case it's Israel and the US, "free" and prosperous countries where people have fun at the same time as their own soldiers are occupying and killing innocents (Palestinians, Afghanis and Iraqis). And the artists? They want to be close to power. They dare not challenge it. Perhaps ask questions, of course, but really challenge power? No. The only thing we can counter with is the truth: The facts about Israel's occupation. The truth about the US invasion of Iraq. If we fight with our minds, our hearts and our will then maybe we can win after all.
Neturei Karta also protests Israel's brutal occupation http://nkusa.org/
Well if you are a lousy artist than why not try politics. Udi is no better than his mother, making a career by spitting in the well.
"...an enlightened democratic state (instead of an occupying state)" Does Udi feel the USA fits into this category also, as it is arguably occupying Iraq??
Thank you for this article Udi! It is well written and reasoned. And it is the truth - whether some people want to hear it or not!
this is intended as broad comedic satire, isn't it? -
It is too bad that it has become impossible to exhibit the thriving cultural contributions that is coming from Israel without being seen as in support of the occupation. It is equally disappointing that objection to the inequality and oppression that has resulted from Israel's Occupation of the Palestinian people is seen as being a blanket condemnation of all aspects of Israeli society.
"why the image of an Israeli soldier, agonizing and crying, is so appealing to festival curators and audiences of the western world?" Because unlike you and those like you, they realize that Israelis, and Israeli soldiers, are not the beasts you are constantly trying to portray them as, but ordinary people doing their best and risking their lives to defend their country against the attacks that have been launched against it for 62 years - and before. There are a lot more sane people out there than you think, who can appreciate the difference between an IDF soldier and a suicide bomber.
that 9/11 was a justified attack on the US because ALL US citizens were responsible for America's crimes against humanity. Here is a suggestion to Udi Aloni: Since Israel was borne in sin (the Arab 'Nakba'), then you should not be an Israeli Citizen. The same should be said of being a citizen of any of the colonial imperialist countries of the world. So just go and live in Gaza (or Iran, for that matter). And while you are there, fight for the human rights of the local population. True to your righteous character, I'm sure you will not spare any effort to achieve justice even there, whatever be the cost. You might find that boycotting film festivals is a child's game in the real world out there.
Thank you, Udi, it's people like you that keep alive the hope that there are good Israelis and that someday there will be peace and justice for Israelis and Palestinians.
How did you get Chomsky to endorse a declaration that states that "Tel Aviv is built on destroyed Palestinian villages"? I can understand the likes of you and Naomi Klein spreading vicious lies to advance your political aims, but I would have thought that Chomsky was more dedicated to the truth.
Seinfeld you and the others who did not partake in this moral hypocritical charade have nothing to be ashamed of. On the contrary you are all to be commended on not being suckered by these moral hypocrits and join this stupid and senseless boycott based on misinformation. You and the others not supporting occupation or any other nonsense these boycotters suggested but rather celebrating the beautiful and diverse city of Tel- Aviv. Kol Ha Kavod!
... destroyed Palestinian villages shows either gross ignorance or gross deceit. Jaffa was there, but all the rest was a series of bumps and swamps. Nothing else. Everything that Tel Aviv is came from the toil and sweat of the Jews. That, Udi, is one of the biggest reasons why your protest raised so much ire, and why it failed. Unjust Denigration of Israel
Because Udi, they like the idea of Israel having committed wrongs. It makes them feel better about their own histories. "Imagine, if the "chosen people" who suffered so much during history (and in the Holocaust) could have been involved with Sabra & Shatilla, then why should we be so ashamed of things that have been done by us??" In any case, Udi it's simple: your logic is skewed and you think that every Israeli who gets acclaim (for no matter what) has to apologise for something. I have never seen any Arab leader (or average joe) getting up to apologise to me, or any of the other descendents of Jews from Arab lands who were expelled. I also don't ever expect this to happen. AND, what the hell is so wrong with dedicating the movie to the other soldiers around the world suffering from psychological disorders?...that's the unique bond he feels he has with other military men...get over it
The sea isn't an option.
Whether or not one believes there is room for a selective but partial boycott of certain items from the West Bank, there seems to be little point in conducting a boycott of people or articles the provenance of which is certain to be of allies of those who are doing the boycotting. Tel Aviv is arguably the center of resistance to the right-wing settler movement. It would make far better sense to boycott right-wing politicians and the settler leadership. When they visit Europe or the States, demonstrate against their presence and publish a list of their discretions and their politics. The left is divided enough as it is.
Only outside pressure can help bring justice here
after reading I conclude that there must be no shortage of fools in this world
I would advixe URI ALONI to lstay fo a while in Sderot thoug now it is quiter but still a few airraids would help him to love the enemy moore---------------
So glad I supported the the Tel Aviv films at TIFF. The arguments presented against TIFF and showing of Israeli films at the festival are laughable. Better these people should support human rights in Gaza or Ramalla.
Udi, you should go protest the US occupation of Indian territory. And most reasently, of Mexico. You should boycot any movies made in Hollywood, since it denies the fact that Hollywood was in Mexico and Mexicans became second rate citizens when it became the USA.
human and therefore don't have rights.
Yes, I laughed, like an Irish laugh, all the way to the bathroom. Udi is trying to do some psychological pirouette in this otherwise mendacious, full of Israeli stopgap, revisionistic interpretation of the event. He with Klein adopted the npn-boycott claim only when the actual spirit of the protest: Kathy Wazana, said that the signatories to the "original" manifesto are incorrect in claiming that SHE has decided to boycott TIFF, rather complaining that there was no discussion about telling the story of Tel Aviv, and that the Israeli event should have been corresponded with an equivqlent show of her beloved (she is a very proud Jewish, but from the Left) Ramallah. Udi, go and bring in the stray goats, that's more likely your style of life.
Udi Aloni is one sick dude. He can't understand how any Israeli artist can love Israel.
Is the momement the entire world stops listening to you. And even if you only protest this festival based on the West Bank, your protest is still hippocritical. Go and protest Moscow's occupation of Georgia.
Udi, you are wrong for ignoring the Israeli side. Don't worry, there are plenty of enemies out there to take care of the Arabs, you forget the Human rights that Jews deserve, to live without terror, or perhaps you don't see that well in Tel Aviv. You don't even realize how your beloved Arabs treat each other, the lack of freedom and human rights in their own society. Take care and protect your own country before others and the world will be a better place. You can always try to go live in an Arab country if you are not satisfied here.
CRAZY AUTHOR.SIMPATHY FOR ISRAEL ? IT IS EXACTLY THE OPPOSITE THAT USUALLY HAPPENS.DO YOU WANT ISRAEL TO BE SWEEPED OF THE MAP?