The New York Times faced criticism following the publication of a September 14 article discussing the Israeli documentary "NAZA," which recently won the Special Jury Prize at this year’s Venice Film Festival. The article, written by Jerusalem-based reporter Isabel Kershner, examined the film’s depiction of the killing of Palestinian civilians in Gaza and the controversy it has sparked within Israel.

“NAZA,” an 80-minute documentary directed by Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, has drawn sharp rebuke from some Israeli officials who accused it of presenting “blood libels” and “deliberate distortions of reality.” Some critics even suggested the filmmakers could face severe penalties, including the possibility of losing their Israeli citizenship for what was described as “betraying the state of Israel.”

The article attempts to capture the complexities surrounding the film and public sentiment in Israel following the October 7 attacks. Kershner noted that Israelis “still largely view themselves as the victims of Oct. 7,” referring to the day Hamas militants launched a deadly assault that resulted in approximately 1,200 civilian deaths and the taking of 250 hostages. The journalist described October 7 as “the deadliest day in Israel’s history.”

The passage attracted attention for linking the Israeli perspective of victimhood on the day of the attack with the reporting on the documentary’s focus on Palestinian casualties, leading to debate over the framing of the narrative. Critics argued that the juxtaposition appeared to downplay the extent of Israeli losses and trauma on October 7.

The debate around “NAZA” underscores broader tensions within Israel over narratives of victimhood, accountability, and the ongoing conflict’s impact on both Israelis and Palestinians. As the documentary gains international recognition, it continues to provoke intense discussion about how the events of October 7 and their aftermath are represented and understood.