The screening of Bearing Witness to the October 7th Massacre at the Museum of Tolerance in West Los Angeles was attended by 200 invited members of the Hollywood industry, most of whom are staunch supporters of Israel. The event was reportedly organized by Israeli actress Gal Gadot.
The film runs for 43 minutes and shows footage of atrocities committed by Hamas terrorists against Israeli citizens on October 7.
According to social media reports, violent conflicts erupted after the event concluded and when the majority of guests and police had already departed the area.
What Happened During the Screening?
Security was tight at the controversial event. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the location was revealed by another media source, leading to threats against the museum and the deployment of a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) advance team in the days leading up to the event.
On Wednesday, November 8, a large contingent of the LA Police Department was present at the museum, with authorities posted in the theater, on the streets, and in a helicopter overhead. While passing motorists honked their support for one side or the other, the event itself seemed to only attract a few dozen demonstrators, pro and anti-Israel alike, who congregated loudly on opposing sides of Pico Boulevard.
Reports circulated that Gadot was behind the event, but she was nowhere to be seen. Her husband, Israeli film producer Jaron Varsano, was present though. Other individuals seen in the event include Oscar-winning Israeli filmmaker Guy Nattiv, the Oscar-nominated producer Lawrence Bender, Mattel CEO Ynon Kreiz, producer Jamie Patricof, social impact agency chief Bonnie Abaunza, and Rick Trank, the Oscar-winning documentary filmmaker who heads up Moriah Films at the Simon Wiesenthal Center.
The outgoing director of the Simon Wiesenthal Center and Museum of Tolerance, Rabbi Marvin Hier, opened the ceremony with remarks. All guests were reportedly forced to sign a nondisclosure agreement vowing not to record or redistribute the sensitive film.
Altercations Happened at the Museum of Tolerance
Multiple clashes broke out at the Museum of Tolerance after the event on Wednesday night, as reported by ABC7.
Social media was rife with backlash and threats after the screening, with some Palestinian rights activists accusing Gadot of endorsing genocide while others came to her rescue.
Several confrontations broke out, resulting in pepper spraying of several of the participants. To manage the mob, the police set up a skirmish line. It is unclear if any arrests were really made, however, many individuals were observed being held.
Karen Bass, mayor of Los Angeles, has condemned the violence. "We cannot allow current worldwide tension to devolve into this unacceptable violence in our city. This is a time of immense pain and distress for thousands of Angelenos. We must stand together," she said on X (formerly Twitter).
We cannot allow current worldwide tension to devolve into this unacceptable violence in our city.
— Mayor Karen Bass (@MayorOfLA) November 9, 2023
This is a time of immense pain and distress for thousands of Angelenos. We must stand together. https://t.co/MaxguBI4Wf
