I am disappointed that the Philadelphia Film Society is hosting an Israeli Film Festival while the Israeli government carries out a genocide against the Palestinian people in Gaza. Film, like all media, shapes and reflects our culture and values; PFS has a responsibility to consider the impact of its programming.

The Israeli Film Festival of Philadelphia is sponsored in part by Israel Bonds. Since 1950, Israel Bonds have funneled tens of billions of dollars into almost every sector of the Israeli economy – from civilian infrastructure in illegal West Bank settlements where Palestinians are prohibited to technology used to surveil Palestinians. This money directly contributes to the displacement of Palestinians, the expansions of unlawful settlements, and unchecked settler violence. Hosting an event sponsored by Israel Bonds is unconscionable, especially in the midst of a genocide.

The Boycott National Committee, the broadest coalition of Palestinian civil society, has called for a cultural boycott of the Israeli state since 2005. Cultural endeavors like this one normalize an apartheid state that has displaced and oppressed millions of Palestinians. An Israeli Film Festival whitewashes Israel's occupation and systematic denial of Palestinian rights.

After six months of genocide, and more than 35,000 Palestinians killed by Israel, I urge you to cancel the remaining screenings of the festival. Stand on the right side of history.