An independent theatre in Hamilton came under intense pressure to cancel the showing of a controversial film by American Jews who have become highly critical of Israel. At first the theatre yielded to the pressure, but on further investigation reversed its decision. Watch our short video interview with one of the organizers about what happened, and how they got things reversed.…

What appeared to be a victory for the Israel lobby in Hamilton turned into an “own goal” after a small independent theatre first decided to cancel the controversial film “Israelism” and then reconsidered its decision and apologised to the organizers.

Israelism is a 2023 American documentary about the portrayal of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in American Jewish institutions. The film is critical of Israel’s treatment of Palestinians, and of the American Jewish community’s distorted education on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It was directed by Erin Axelman and Sam Eilertsen, has been screened at various film festivals in the United States and won a Brooklyn Film Festival Spirit Award.

The decision to cancel the film came after the chair of the Westdale Theatre received a number of emails from the local Jewish community and after complaints from the the Hamilton Jewish Federation. The theatre board concluded that with the ongoing war between Israel and Gaza, it was the wrong time to “court controversy.” 

Pushback

However members of the local chapter of Independent Jewish Voices Canada took issue with the postponement of the screening, pointing out that there had been a “powerfully orchestrated campaign against the film in other venues across North America”. It wrote to the board outlining its position and called on Hamiltonians to protest.

Their efforts led to a reconsideration by the Westdale board, which reversed its decision. “After careful review, we determined that there was no credible evidence that the screening would cause harm to anyone in our community,” said the board in a statement. “We also acknowledge that the screening of this film was important to many in our community.” 

David Mivasair, a Hamilton rabbi and member of IJV, said in an email he deeply appreciates that board’s willingness to reconsider its decision. “In our Jewish religious tradition, we learn that teshuvah — the willingness to be open to reflecting on our own actions in this world and changing them if necessary — is one of the keys to hope for making this world a better place,”

We asked Rabbi Mivasair to share how they got the presentation back in the theatre and what lessons he draws from the experience.

Canada Talks Israel Palestine (CTIP) is the weekly newsletter of Peter Larson, Chair of the Ottawa Forum on Israel/Palestine (OFIP). It aims to promote a serious discussion in Canada about Canada’s response to the complicated and emotional Israel/Palestine issue with a focus on the truth, clear analysis and human rights for all. Readers with different points of view are invited to make comment.
Want to learn more about us? Go to Ottawa Forum on Israel/Palestine.ca