[Editor’s Note: Hundreds of film industry professionals, including Mark Ruffalo, Tilda Swinton, Javier Bardem and Cynthia Nixon have pledged not to work with Israeli film institutions, condemning them as “implicated in genocide and apartheid against the Palestinian people,” in a continuation of the global trend in which Israelis are targeted because of their nationality, not their actions. The Israeli Producers Association responded to the pledge in a statement to The Guardian.]

[T]he signatories of this petition are targeting the wrong people.

For decades, we Israeli artists, storytellers, and creators have been the primary voices allowing audiences to hear and witness the complexity of the conflict, including Palestinian narratives and criticism of Israeli state policies. We work with Palestinian creators, telling our shared stories and promoting peace and an end to violence through thousands of films, TV series, and documentaries.

This call for boycott is profoundly misguided. By targeting us – the creators who give voice to diverse narratives and foster dialogue – these signatories are undermining their own cause and attempting to silence us. This shortsighted act seeks to eliminate precisely the collaborative efforts working toward ending violence and achieving peace. We will not allow this and will push back in our efforts to end violence and bring just peace to our region for the benefit of all.”

— Israeli Producers Association