Israel Police closed the Haifa offices of the far-left Hadash Party on Monday, Israeli media reported.
The police then summoned the secretary of the Haifa branch of Hadash, Rim Hazan, for a hearing regarding the branch’s intention to hold a screening of the film Jenin, Jenin 2 by Palestinian director Mohammad Bakri that day.
The offices were closed for 10 hours overall, according to Walla. Police stated that “The screening is against the court’s decision. There is a suspicion of disorderly conduct.”
The proceeds were intended to be donated to civilians of Gaza, N12 reported.
Quotes by the Palestinian filmmaker
“The people of Israel should be ashamed that they are silent about genocide,” N12 quoted the filmmaker Bakri as saying. “Israel has not been a democracy for a long time. Since the far-right came into power, we haven’t been living in a democracy. This government is extremist, and the best example of this is the fact that Ben-Gvir controls the police. Therefore, it didn’t surprise me.”
The Palestinian director explained that the new film, unlike his previous one that brought controversial testimonies about the IDF, “brings testimonies about people who experienced difficult times in “Operation Home and Garden” in July 2023. It also tells about what Bakri went through regarding the ban on the screening of the first Jenin, Jenin film, the report said. The film reportedly includes new interviewees and those from the previous film.
N12 also quoted Shai Glick, CEO of the Jewish human rights organization “Bezelmo,” saying, “There is no place in Israel for films by liars and instigators. I thank the Israel Police and the Municipality of Haifa for their determination against those who try to harm the State of Israel and the IDF. We will continue to fight Bakri and his accomplices.”
A post published by the Hadash-Ta’al Party reads: “We see this investigation as a fascist attempt to instill fear. This is an attack on what remains of democratic freedoms in Israel, including freedom of association and political activity. This dangerous step follows a number of police raids on our branches and a wave of arrests of members of the leadership of Hadash and the Communist Youth Alliance.
“We will continue on our political path opposing the war and government policy,” they continued. “We call on all democratic forces in Israel to oppose these fascist methods, which will eventually be used against all critics of the government.”
Hadash MK Ofer Cassif referred to the closure of the offices and the banning of the film by “the Kahanist Tsar militia.
“Censorship and political persecution, threats and attempts to silence the voice of truth will not deter us. We will oppose with all our might the crimes of the government until we throw it to the winds. Wake up and resist because you are next in line!”
