Hamilton theatre cancels film critical of Israel, board says it's the wrong time to 'court controversy'

The board of directors at a local Hamilton cinema has abruptly cancelled the showing of a film critical of Israel, after hearing concerns from some members of the local Jewish community. 

The screening of the film, co-directed by two U.S.-based Jewish filmmakers, had attracted "great general interest" and was nearly sold out, according to the organizer of the event, the Hamilton chapter of Independent Jewish Voices. 

The documentary Israelism was slated to play on Dec. 6 at The Westdale, and included an in-person panel afterwards with one of the film's directors. 

About 200 people were expected to attend, said The Westdale's executive director Alysha Main.

Main told CBC Hamilton in recent weeks, theatre staff had received about a dozen almost-identical emails from people who wanted the event cancelled. 

Main said The Westdale had planned to hire security — a common practice when showing controversial films about sensitive topics. 

Main said she had no involvement with the board's decision Tuesday, and doesn't agree with it.

"My vision for the theatre is to be a welcoming space where people can tell their stories and have meaningful discussions on events and issues that impact our community," Main said. 

Film 'not appropriate,' chair says

Board chair Fred Fuchs said the decision to cancel the event came after consulting with community groups, such as the Hamilton Jewish Foundation. The board concluded that with the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, it was the wrong time to "court controversy." 

"It almost doesn't matter what the film was about," Fuchs said. "The problem is so complex, if they show one film and one point of view, it's not appropriate." 

Fuchs said they wouldn't have aired a pro-Israeli film either. 

Israelism was released in February, co-directed by Erin Axelman and Sam Eilertsen. It follows two American Jews raised to "unconditionally love" Israel but who are confronted with "the brutal way Israel treats Palestinians," according to the film's description.

"Israelism uniquely explores how Jewish attitudes toward Israel are changing dramatically, with massive consequences for the region and Judaism itself," it says.

The Westdale said it scheduled the screening in August — before Hamas militants attacked Israel on Oct. 7, killing around 1,200 people and taking more than 200 hostages, dozens of which have been released in recent days.

In the weeks following, Israel invaded Gaza in retaliation. The bombardment has killed more than 15,000 Gazans, according to health authorities in the Palestinian enclave.

Group looks for new venue

As the conflict continues, a few screenings of Israelism have been cancelled in the U.S., including at the University of Pennsylvania and Hunter College in New York City, which both cited safety concerns. 

But Axelman, one of the the film's co-directors, said in an email to CBC Hamilton that since Oct, 7, the film has been shown at over 20 events across the U.S. and Canada, including at the University of Windsor on Wednesday. 

"The Westdale cinema is profoundly failing in their mission as a social justice oriented community theatre by censoring our film at this time," she said.

Charles Small, of Independent Jewish Voices, said The Westdale's board is bowing to pressure and its decision is in line with what the film is critical of. He said the group is searching for a new venue to host the event in Hamilton.

"There is a very clear effort to delegitimize the very process of questioning, and to stigmatize those who raise questions," Small said. 

"This is a film made by Jews, for Jews, and about Jews, and yet we, as Jews, are not permitted to even engage in public discussions on these matters, which are of vital concern to us and to the community." 

Fuchs said the board believes in hearing from diverse voices, but only once tensions between Israel and Hamas have eased. 

He called Independent Jewish Voices a "fringe group" that wouldn't have presented a "balanced dialogue" about what's happening in the region. 

Hamilton Jewish Foundation spokesperson Jazmin Rymberg said the event would "do nothing but inflame a difficult situation for Jewish people in Hamilton" and that it would "spread more hate."