Venice Film Festival: NAZA, a new Gaza documentary by Oscar-winning Israeli filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, drew a record 25-minute standing ovation at the Lido, with the film based on testimony from 24 Israeli soldiers and intelligence personnel and Israel’s military rejecting the claims. High Holidays in NYC: A practical guide to Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services and celebrations across New York City is out, with options ranging from traditional synagogue worship to music, meals, and family programming. Community & Culture: In Washington Heights, Rabbi Liron Rogovsky was installed as the fifth rabbi of K’hal Adath Jeshurun in a Hachtarah ceremony. Arts & Entertainment: TIFF is leaning harder into indie premieres to pull in younger audiences, as big studio titles take a back seat. Israel in the spotlight abroad: Hundreds protested outside Israel’s embassy in Bangkok, demanding Israeli visitors respect Thai laws and culture. Food & Heritage: A look at why Israel’s beehives are producing less honey, tied to the history of Kibbutz Yad Mordechai. Sports: Manchester United opened their Champions League league phase with a 4-0 win over newcomers Sabah.
AGP Executive Report
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{“Body”:”Venice Film Festival: Israeli directors Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor have brought their new documentary NAZA to the 83rd Venice International Film Festival, following their Oscar-winning No Other Land. The film, described as a hybrid of documentary and narrative fiction, draws on interviews with 24 Israeli intelligence officers and soldiers and alleges that surveillance and targeting systems in Gaza can lead to strikes on family homes, with the acronym “NAZA” tied to expected civilian deaths. Arts & Culture: The festival also features The Road to Jericho, Amos Gitai’s latest work, in which Bollywood actress and producer Niharica Raizada debuted her banner Raizada Entertainments at Venice. Hollywood in Israel: John Malkovich has canceled a planned Tel Aviv performance of The Music Critic after a promoter-linked press release attributed remarks to him that he says he never made, calling the publication “unacceptable and untenable.” Music & Politics: A resurfaced clip from an Ed Sheeran show has reignited debate around Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” remarks, while Susan Sarandon says Hollywood agencies have continued to take roles away from her over her Gaza stance, even as she received an eight-minute ovation in Venice. Local Life & Travel: As Israelis head into the high holidays, one report says privately owned vacation apartments are increasingly replacing hotels and short-term rentals, with owners using compact second homes for weekend escapes.”}
Israeli Cinema Spotlight: Moshe Rosenthal’s “Tell Me Everything” swept the Ophir Awards, winning Best Picture and 10 trophies total, and now becomes Israel’s Oscar Best International Feature submission. Streaming & Pop Culture: Netflix’s “Fauda” returns with Season 5, ending in a cemetery funeral as the series leans even harder into character-driven revenge after Oct. 7. Film Festival Buzz: The Haifa International Film Festival (Sept. 26–Oct. 3) unveiled an international lineup headlined by Danny Boyle, Nanni Moretti, François Ozon, Lukas Dhont, Olivier Assayas and more. Diplomacy Meets Protest: Israel opened its first embassy in Slovenia in Ljubljana, with thousands protesting outside as ties thaw and European governments tighten pressure over West Bank and Gaza policy. Arts, Music & Backlash: Azealia Banks is set for a third Tel Aviv concert (Oct. 8), while Boy George issued an anxious statement after escalating Israel-Palestine controversy. Culture & Controversy: Noa Kirel’s “Love Song” video drew criticism from young Israeli fans for graphic, blood-soaked imagery.
Diplomatic Fallout: Israel ordered the UK to close its East Jerusalem consulate within 30 days and strip British diplomats of status, after Britain moved to sanction West Bank settlements—Britain’s FM Ed Miliband said he “regretted” the step. Middle East Escalation: Iran hit US targets around the Strait of Hormuz and struck a Jordan base in retaliation for US strikes on Iranian oil tankers; oil prices pushed toward $100 as the standoff deepens. Pre-Military Program: A new “The Four” preparatory track for 18–20-year-olds from religious and haredi backgrounds opens in Eliad in the Golan, honoring four IDF reservists killed in Gaza in 2023. Politics & Accountability: Netanyahu faces fresh fire over a report claiming the UAE warned him about Hamas’ Oct. 7 plans in advance; he says he’ll sue. Arts & Culture: John Malkovich canceled a Tel Aviv performance after an unauthorized press release used quotes attributed to him. Pop Culture Protest: Macklemore defended his “Free Palestine” speech at Ed Sheeran’s tour stop, insisting it was about equality—while the backlash keeps spreading. Humanitarian Warning: A new report says cluster munitions caused at least 1,063 casualties worldwide last year, with civilians making up 87%.
Adidas Boycott Backlash: Adidas is apologizing after a campaign featuring a disabled ex-IDF soldier (Shalev Biton) sparked growing pro-Palestine boycott calls, with critics saying the timing is insensitive amid Gaza limb-loss. Venice Film Spotlight: The Gaza Cinema Academy launched at the Venice Film Festival, training Palestinian filmmakers and backing new Gaza stories, with a nine-month diploma already underway. TV/Streaming: Netflix’s Fauda returns for Season 5, picking up the aftermath of Oct. 7 through a new revenge-focused plot. High Holidays Security (Diaspora): Toronto police and Mayor Olivia Chow outlined expanded safety plans for Jewish High Holy Days, including visible and covert measures. Culture & Commemoration: Israel marked the 54th anniversary of the 1972 Munich Olympics massacre in Tel Aviv with a memorial ceremony for the “Munich 11.” Theatre in Israel: John Malkovich pulled out of a Tel Aviv performance of The Music Critic after a press release falsely attributed quotes to him. US-Israel Arts Diplomacy: The US Embassy held a Jerusalem gala for America’s 250th anniversary, featuring performances by Ishay Ribo and the Israel National Police Orchestra.
Venice Film Festival Spotlight: The Gaza Cinema Academy has launched at Venice with Palestinian and international filmmakers backing a sustainable training and production hub for Gaza, including a planned degree partnership with Al-Quds Open University. Pop Culture Flashpoint: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” set as Ed Sheeran’s opener at MetLife Stadium has triggered petitions and backlash, with the Israeli-American Council urging his removal from remaining tour dates. Arts, Tech & Media: Beamr and VAST Data are partnering with NVIDIA to AI-enhance and monetize video archives, debuting at IBC 2026 in Amsterdam. Sports & Stardom: James Tavernier has joined Maccabi after leaving Rangers, with reports of a major pay rise as he looks to settle into Israeli football. Local Health & Movement: Feldy founder Chava Sorani is marking World PT Day by promoting Feldenkrais-style movement awareness through an online program. Regional Security Meets Culture: UNIFIL’s Lebanon mandate is set to end at the end of 2026, with the Security Council expected to decide the mission’s next form.
Arts & Culture in Israel: Jerusalem’s Tower of David Museum reports a First Temple-era clay mould used to produce a female figurine face—new “in-city” production evidence from the Qishla excavations. Fashion & Identity: Ramallah label Nöl Collective says Olivia Rodrigo’s red-carpet commission came amid shipment disruptions and closures, spotlighting how West Bank craft and logistics collide with global pop. Politics Meets Pop Culture: Israel’s Pirate Party filed its Knesset slate with Prof. Dan Ariely, turning “politics is fun” into a campaign hook. Music & Media Backlash: The Ed Sheeran–Macklemore tour row keeps escalating after “Free Palestine” chants, with Pink and others weighing in and pro-Israel voices demanding action. Brand Controversy: Adidas Arabia apologized after backlash over its “Single Shoe” campaign featuring amputee former IDF soldier Shalev Biton, as activists contrasted it with Gaza’s limb-loss toll. Heritage & Faith: A Word of Torah column revisits the command to write and teach a song—linking scripture, tradition, and communal practice. Regional Spotlight: Lebanon backs UNIFIL mandate renewal and floats a European force alternative as UN presence winds down.
Arts & Culture (Israel): Veteran Israeli actor Ilan Dar, beloved for his long-running TV role in Krovim Krovim, has died at 89, leaving a major mark on Israeli theater, television, and cinema. Film & Politics (Global/Israel audience): Oscar winner Susan Sarandon says her pro-Palestine stance is still costing her Hollywood roles, claiming agencies discourage hiring her; she spoke at the Venice Film Festival while promoting The Echo Chamber. Entertainment Backlash (Music): Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech during Ed Sheeran’s MetLife tour has triggered petitions and calls to remove him from remaining dates, with the Israeli American Council leading the push. TV Formats (Israel): Dori Media is taking Abot Hameiri’s dating show New Love to MIPCOM, pitching the Reshet 13 hit’s 72-hour live-in format to global buyers. Sports (Israel in the spotlight): Israeli teen Dan Brand advanced at the US Open juniors, while Maccabi Tel Aviv unveiled Rangers striker James Tavernier after his move to Israel. Holiday Arts (Israel): Two Sukkot cultural festivals are set for late September—an Ushpizin poetry program in Jerusalem and a sustainability-themed dance event in the Ela Valley.
Venice Film Festival & Gaza on screen: Palestinian documentary “Citizen Osama” zeroes in on Gaza’s journalists, while Venice also spotlights war reporting and media ethics as the festival “turns gaze on Gaza war.” Jerusalem Cinematheque: A Paul Newman retrospective (“Paul Newman: A Tribute,” Sept. 10–Oct. 3) lands with special resonance for Israeli audiences via “Exodus.” Telluride premiere: Guy Nattiv’s “The Liberation” debuts at Telluride, starring Carrie Coon and Lily James, drawing on a family-inspired cult story. Music & controversy: Noa Kirel’s “Love Song” backlash is met with a pushback column arguing the outrage is really about letting her grow up. Jerusalem Oud Festival: Jonny Greenwood and Dudu Tassa headline the Nov. 5–12 festival, reworking Arabic love songs in “Jarak Qaribak.” Sports & return: Palestinian football resumes with the “1,000 Martyrs Cup,” mixing joy with grief after years of war. Boycott culture hits fashion: Adidas faces calls to boycott over its “single shoe” campaign featuring IDF veteran Shalev Biton. Israel in the arts: Netflix’s weekly slate includes “Fauda” and more releases, keeping local TV buzz alive.
Rehabilitation & Mental Health: A new Israeli model for wounded soldiers’ PTSD support is taking shape through Belev Echad’s “warm home” in Kiryat Ono, shifting from medical treatment to ongoing, family-like care. Arts & Identity: A study on artistic mastectomy tattoos finds they can help women rebuild identity and cope with grief after surgery. Culture & Memory: A graphic novel project is using art to keep the history and horror of genocide from fading. Sports as Resistance: Football returns to Gaza after a three-year suspension, with the “Cup of the Thousand Martyrs” played on damaged pitches as the community rebuilds. Local Crime & Hate: Police are investigating swastikas graffitied during a break-in at a Pardes Hanna-Karkur school, with the council condemning racism and Nazi symbols. Fashion & Boycotts: Adidas faces boycott calls over a campaign featuring an Israeli wounded veteran, as critics link the disability-accessibility push to Israel’s war context. International Arts Spotlight: Venice Film Festival’s “DAU” controversy keeps spotlighting how politics follows culture onto the red carpet.
Israel–Syria: Israeli forces shelled the outskirts of Al-Rafid in southern Syria’s Quneitra countryside, firing six shells after a brief advance and withdrawal, with repeated recent activity in the area. Lebanon: Israel carried out renewed airstrikes in southern Lebanon despite a US-brokered framework, hitting towns including Mansouri and Kfour. Iran shipping war: The US says it struck three Iranian oil tankers after IRGC ballistic missiles targeted US Navy ships, “permanently disabling” two and destroying a third, while Iran condemns the attacks as a violation of international law. Arts in Israel: Jerusalem Theatre opened “Jerusalem of Gold,” a group exhibition bringing five Israeli artists to the capital’s Salon Gallery. Venice Film Festival: Nanni Moretti’s “It Will Happen Tonight,” based on Israeli writer Eshkol Nevo, is in competition, with reviews highlighting its romantic melodrama swing. Theater/music: John Malkovich is set to return to Tel Aviv next year for “The Music Critic.” Fashion & culture: Adidas faces boycott calls after featuring Israeli amputee veteran Shalev Biton in its Single Shoe Service campaign. Sports & culture: Belfast protests Ireland’s Nations League Israel fixtures under the “Stop the Game” banner.
IDF-Hezbollah Tensions: An AP photographer reported no visible Israeli military presence on Lebanon’s Ali al-Taher hill, despite Israel’s claim of “operational control” over the ridge and tunnels—keeping the ceasefire fragile. Palestinian Sports Return: The Palestinian Football Association relaunched domestic play with the “Thousand Martyrs Cup,” kicking off matches across the West Bank, Gaza, and Lebanon after nearly three years. Tech & Animals: Tel Hai University researchers unveiled an AI system that can detect pain in horses from video, aiming to make animal care more precise. Human Stories in Uniform: A profile follows a Muslim combat soldier in the IDF describing how post–Oct. 7 tensions and harsh comments pushed her to confront prejudice and seek change. Arts & Culture: Palestinian artist Sliman Mansour is remembered for painting Palestinians back into history, with his work repeatedly targeted by occupation authorities. Public Life & Identity: A racism row erupted after Miriam Margolyes questioned Andi Peters’ heritage on TV, with the exchange removed from the streaming version.
Sports & Politics: Four Israeli triathletes were removed from the City of Derry Europe Triathlon Cup in Northern Ireland, with organizers citing “public safety” and the optics of Israeli representation while Palestinians “continue to suffer.” Film & Pop Culture: Gal Gadot’s new Prime Video action movie The Runner is drawing attention for a Rotten Tomatoes record—its lowest critic score yet (9%), despite a modest audience score (31%). Venice Film Festival: Venice’s press culture and politics are front and center as the festival opens, with Naza—a Gaza/Israel documentary by Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor—entered late into the competition. Controversy in Hollywood: Fauda co-creator Avi Issacharoff hit back at Mark Ruffalo over “genocide” remarks about Gaza, arguing the term is misused. Brand Backlash: Adidas faces a boycott after promoting an Israeli IDF amputee in its “Single Shoe Service” campaign. Religion & Meaning: A Jewish Elul reflection argues brokenness can be part of wholeness ahead of the High Holy Days.
Arts & Film (Venice): Julia Loktev’s documentary sequel My Undesirable Friends: Part II — Exile lands at Venice, following Russian journalists scattered across Europe after being branded “foreign agents” and forced into exile. Documentary & Culture: The film’s tone shifts from survival-in-place to shell-shocked rebuilding abroad, keeping the focus on press freedom and personal cost. Music: Simple Minds announce their 2027 album Sacrosanct and a major tour with Gary Numan, with Jim Kerr framing the new work as “closer to faith” than career. Fashion & Sustainability: Redress Design Award 2026 spotlights circular design that cuts textile waste at the drawing-board stage, with an Israeli finalist among the winners. Sports & Israel in the spotlight: Israeli triathletes were removed from a Derry/Londonderry event after organisers raised concerns about Israel representation amid ongoing Palestinian suffering. Brand backlash: Adidas faces boycott calls over its “Single Shoe Service” campaign featuring Israeli soldier Shalev Biton, sparking debate over using Gaza war imagery for inclusivity marketing. Local community: Israeli athletes were also barred from Northern Ireland triathlon participation after organisers objected to their presence.
Venice Film Festival: Jury head Maggie Gyllenhaal says the competition’s lack of women directors reflects a “systemic problem,” pointing to financing barriers and who gets to define “high art.” Israeli Arts & Music (US): Ishay Ribo and the Israel Philharmonic brought Elul to Radio City Music Hall and Hard Rock Live, turning familiar Jewish songs into a full symphonic experience. Israeli Culture & Community: An Open Archways Jewish-Muslim exhibit opening in East Brunswick drew a packed crowd, with organizers arguing art can reach the part of us that “feels,” not just debates. Sports & Identity: Hapoel Tel Aviv’s Ghanaian winger Douglas Owusu scored in a 3-0 league opener win over Beitar, marking a strong start after a record signing. Health & Parenting: Israel’s Health Ministry issued new screen and social-media guidelines for children, including no screens before age 2 and delaying smartphones and social platforms. Global Pop Culture: Simple Minds announced their next album, Sacrosanct, for Jan. 29, 2027, with Jim Kerr calling it closer to “faith” than a career. Controversy in European Football: Belgian authorities canceled an Israeli club match over security concerns, sparking outcry over a perceived double standard.
Venice Film Festival Gender Debate: Jury head Maggie Gyllenhaal says this year’s main competition has a “systemic problem” with women directors, noting only two women were selected early on, with a late addition slightly improving the balance. Palestinian Flag at Venice: The Venice4Palestine collective renewed calls for the Palestinian flag to fly at the festival after director Alberto Barbera said it can’t because Italy doesn’t officially recognize Palestine. Israel-Haredi Citizenship Clash: A new report frames Israel’s ultra-Orthodox military-service debate as a fight over the meaning of citizenship amid the ongoing war. Iran Wedding Strike Fallout: Multiple outlets detail a US missile strike on a wedding in southern Iran, with Iran calling it a war crime and urging UN action. Music & Pop Culture: Sirine Saba lands a major role in HBO’s Harry Potter series as Professor Sprout, while Radiohead fans hunt for “2027 Radiohead” cards hinting at an Australia tour. Art & Activism: Indonesian collective Taring Padi’s post-Documenta rise spotlights how agitprop-style mass-resistance art is finding new Western audiences. Entertainment Business: Yes Studios picked up NZ shortform crime drama “Alibi,” a non-linear murder mystery built for bingeing.
Venice Film Festival: George Clooney kicks off the 83rd Venice Film Festival on Sept. 2 with a lifetime achievement award, while the lineup includes Israeli directors’ Gaza documentary “Naza” in the main competition and other politically charged titles. Israeli Cinema: Moshe Rosenthal’s coming-of-age drama “Tell Me Everything” (Atzmaut) opens in Israeli theaters this week, already a major Ophir Awards contender. Arts & Politics in Europe: Venice Biennale president Pietrangelo Buttafuoco defends Russia’s inclusion, saying he’d do it “everything” again. Cultural Controversy: Qatar’s emir’s sister promotes a Venice Biennale Gaza exhibit featuring a “Gaza Genocide Tapestry,” spotlighting allegations about attacks on children. Sports & Representation: Wheelchair tennis star Guy Sasson eyes a historic calendar-year Grand Slam at the US Open. Community & Ritual: Selichot begins this Saturday night for many congregations, marking the lead-in to the High Holidays. Local Entertainment: “Dancing with the Stars” announces Season 35’s full celebrity cast, and “Days of Our Lives” expands its Salem roster with new characters. Global Flashpoint: A US strike hit a wedding in southern Iran, killing four including children, as the region’s Iran-US escalation continues.
Venice Film Festival: George Clooney is set to receive a lifetime achievement award as the 83rd Venice Film Festival opens on the Lido, with the lineup running through Sept. 12 and featuring Israeli director Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor’s Gaza documentary “Naza” in the main competition. Israeli Arts & Culture: “Falling House,” directed by Mohsen Gharaei, screens at Venice amid reports of threats and exile after the filmmaker’s criticism of Iran’s actions during the US-Israel strikes. Sports & Entertainment: Maccabi Tel Aviv lands Rangers captain James Tavernier on a free transfer, described as a historic Israeli football signing. Local Business/Tech: Israeli digital health firm Medibyt gets FDA 510(k) clearance for its CPETWise cardiopulmonary exercise test solution, paving the way for US commercialization. Community & Faith: B’nai Israel of Southbury announces High Holy Day services and programming for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Arts Events: SCAN in Newtown hosts Karen Israel’s pastel demo “Slice of Life” on Sept. 8.
Hollywood & Jewish Arts: More than 170 Jewish entertainment figures signed an “Enough!” open letter defending actor Mark Ruffalo after Paramount accused him of antisemitic tropes in a dispute over its proposed Warner Bros. Discovery merger. Legal & Politics: Israel’s Democrats leader Yair Golan sent Sara Netanyahu a NIS 2.5m defamation warning, demanding an apology within 24 hours over claims she implied he knew about the Oct. 7 Hamas attack in advance. Culture & Film: A new documentary, “Tovah,” spotlights actress Tovah Feldshuh’s career and Jewish identity ahead of its Sept. 2 premiere. Tech & Labor: Gal Gadot’s AI-assisted Bitcoin thriller “Killing Satoshi” is driving new SAG-AFTRA image-rights contract discussions after she reportedly spent months negotiating protections. International Arts Backlash: A Bratislava cinema canceled a Holocaust documentary after staff objected to Israeli embassy involvement. Security & Entertainment Travel: Thailand’s Pattaya stepped up prostitution crackdowns ahead of the USS Abraham Lincoln’s shore leave, with raids detaining dozens. Regional Tensions: Sirens sounded in Jordan as Iran launched retaliatory strikes tied to renewed US actions, while reports described civilian casualties from a wedding hit in southern Iran.
Gaza War: Israel says a senior Hamas official was detained in Gaza and vows to keep forces in the enclave even after disarmament and tunnel destruction, as strikes continue and medics report more deaths including children. US-Iran Tensions: Trump escalated rhetoric around Iran, while a Shin Bet chief reportedly made a secret Washington trip for “sensitive” talks with the FBI amid renewed exchanges. Weapon Watch: A new investigation into a US Precision Strike Missile use in Iran’s Lamerd raises fresh civilian-casualty concerns, suggesting pellet-style blast effects near populated areas. Arts & Fashion: The Met cancels a John Galliano retrospective after backlash over antisemitic and racist remarks, while Venice Film Festival gears up with star power and political pressure around Israel-tied films. Culture & Community: Warriors of Israel rebrands to expand long-term rehabilitation for wounded veterans, and a Freedom Flotilla ship docks in Kinsale ahead of a Gaza-siege awareness mission. Local Home Design: A Rehovot family home gets a warm, textile-rich renovation spotlighted by Israeli interior design coverage. Sports/Entertainment TV: Thriller series “The Game” sells further internationally ahead of its next season, including Israel’s Yes.
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