Netflix has removed films about Palestine
The Netflix platform has deleted more than 30 works in the section of films dedicated to Palestinian life. Readings include Mai Masri's Shatila's Children, about life in a refugee camp, and Basil Khalil's satirical short Ave Maria, about Palestinian nuns helping an Israeli settler family.
Netflix, one of the most popular streaming services, previously had a special category for films about Palestine, with more than 30 documentaries about family, resilience and life under occupation.
As of October 13-14, almost all 32 videos in the "Palestine Stories" section have been deleted, leaving only two online, which has caused serious outrage from human rights organizations and social media users.
There are suspicions that Palestinian-related films were removed due to pressure from Zionist lobby organizations.
Activists have demanded that Netflix return the collection, questioning the reasons and motivations behind its sudden removal.
In a letter, rights group Freedom Forward asked: "How does Netflix justify removing so many films made by or about the Palestinians, one of the most politically marginalized communities in the world, especially at a time when Palestinians are facing genocide in Gaza?"
The Zionist lobby launched a campaign against Netflix in October 2021 after it added films about Palestine to a separate collection .
Far-right Israel watcher Im Tirtzu criticized Netflix's "Palestine Stories" collection, saying 16 of the 19 filmmakers featured support the " Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions " (BDS) campaign against Israel, according to Israeli media. claimed.
In response to the move, Netflix said it supports artistic "freedom and authentic storytelling from around the world," saying the series aims to "show the depth of the Palestinian experience," "exploring people's lives, dreams, families, friendships, and love."
Netflix, which had previously announced its commitment to a variety of stories, now seems to be slowly changing its strategy.
CODEPINK, a pro-Palestinian social justice organization, criticized the streaming giant's move, calling it a "literal erasure of Palestinian stories and perspectives from popular culture."
The statement said the move " prevents a wider audience from understanding the reality of Israel's brutal occupation, apartheid, ethnic cleansing and current genocide against the Palestinians ."
Popular (now defunct) films include May Masri's Shatila's Children, which depicts life in a refugee camp through the eyes of two children, and Basil Khalil's satirical short Ave Maria, about Palestinian nuns helping an Israeli settler family.
