Venice 82, Hagai Levi: ‘Horror in Gaza, but not all Israelis support the regime’

Venice, 2 September (LaPresse) – “There are many different Israelis, but resentment exists and is partly justified. We cannot deny it. Artists in particular, all these people, are opposed to this regime and to war. What is being done in our name makes no sense. I am against the boycott and I believe it is important to listen to the voices in Israel who are against this regime.” These were the words of Hagai Levi, Israeli director, screenwriter, television producer and critic, during the press conference presenting the series “Etty”, out of competition at the Venice Film Festival, regarding the boycott of artists close to Israel requested by a group of artists at the Biennale. ‘I know many people who have signed this petition, some of whom are dear Italian friends. I believe it is very important to talk about Gaza in this place, because what is happening is horrible,’ he added. ‘There are very serious war crimes that Europe must stop.’ “It was very important for me that this protest took place. The regime that governs Israel today kills not only Palestinians, but also kidnapped Israeli citizens. It’s horrible, but people need to know that there are hundreds of Israeli citizens fighting against this regime,‘ Levi said. ’Being Israeli does not mean supporting this regime. We, more than others, are fighting with some hope of changing things. This should also be taken into consideration,” he concluded.