Revealing the Truth: American Filmmaker Uncovers Israel's Assault on Palestinian Journalists

In an exclusive interview with the Tehran Times, renowned American filmmaker Robert Greenwald discusses the poignant narratives of Palestinian journalists who have faced systematic silencing amid Israel’s ongoing conflict with Gaza. Greenwald, a Jewish filmmaker and founder of Brave New Films, is committed to shedding light on the lives of three journalists—Bilal Jadallah, Hiba al-Abadbadal, and Ismail al-Ghul—whose stories exemplify both the determination and fragility of Gaza’s press under continuous Israeli bombardment.

Greenwald’s documentary emerges from a critical realization: mere statistics cannot adequately illustrate the human toll of war, and journalism itself has become a frontline in this conflict. Since October 2023, over 240 journalists have tragically lost their lives, often while clearly identified as members of the press or while seeking shelter with their families. Greenwald argues that these killings are not mere accidents but rather part of a larger agenda to silence dissenting voices and disconnect Gaza from the global narrative.

Through a unique blend of personal archives, social media footage, and stark contrasts between Gaza’s lively past and its current devastation, Greenwald’s documentary emphasizes a moral obligation to protect press freedom. He believes that while governments may overlook these issues, independent filmmaking can pierce the silence and galvanize international action.

The text of the interview reveals his insights:

As a Jewish filmmaker from New York who has long taken on controversial subjects, what personal conflicts or revelations led you to humanize the stories of Palestinian journalists in Gaza?

“I was seeing and reading more and more commentary from the brave people in Gaza, and I was increasingly upset and concerned and motivated to try to do something and tell the stories. Now the question is, what could I do, what could we at Brave New Films, as a very small U.S.-based non-profit, do? I realized that the haters—the people who hate Palestinians, the people who are racist around the issue of Palestinians—we were never going to reach them. But in the United States, there are millions of people who hadn’t paid attention to the issue and didn’t care about it. So I decided on a two-fold approach. One is journalists, assuming that even people who were not focused on the issue would not be in favor of killing journalists. Number two, rather than limiting it to numbers, I believed that if we could humanize these journalists, we could bring them to life even though they had been killed, using social media and video.”
By focusing on these three journalists—Bilal Jadallah, Hiba al-Abadbadal, and Ismail al-Ghul—you put a face on policy. How did you choose these stories to humanize the Gaza crisis, and what impact do you hope they have in light of recent journalist deaths?

“When you work in social justice using film, we reach about a million people regularly across all platforms. The goal is to inspire people to take action, to connect with their elected officials and get them to stop funding the war. If the United States were to stop funding the war, I believe it would be over almost immediately. Polls show an extraordinary shift in public opinion in the U.S., and we’re working to reach people all over the world.”
The split-screen technique contrasting Gaza’s vibrant past with its current situation bypasses Israeli censorship. How did your crew develop this approach, and could it further amplify the stories of journalists killed in recent strikes?

“There seems to have been an increased outcry in the United States among the press, particularly due to the horrible starvation Israel is imposing on Gaza. Images of starving children have moved people in ways they hadn’t been moved before. The killing of a well-known journalist has also heightened awareness, especially since Israel acknowledged targeting him.”
Your documentary humanizes Bilal Jadallah’s mission to empower reporters through Press House Palestine. How did his story shape your narrative, and what does it reveal about the broader risk journalists face in Gaza today?

“The stories of these journalists make a clear statement: journalists are trying to do their jobs, seeking the truth, and they’re being killed. Social media, particularly Instagram, has an incredible number of people who are documenting the reality of what’s happening in Gaza.”
What was the most challenging moment in portraying the tragedy of the life and death of these three journalists for you?

“The personal toll of seeing their lives through social media—watching families, children, and their work—was profound. While our emotional strain is significant, it pales in comparison to what people in Gaza endure.”
The film’s haunting theme of press vests becoming targets resonates with a recent report of journalists being struck despite clear markings. How does this reinforce your argument about deliberate efforts to silence Gaza’s voices?

“I was shocked to learn that press vests actually make journalists targets. This was both troubling and eye-opening.”
How did you craft Ismail Al Ghul’s narrative to connect with a global audience, especially regarding the personal toll on journalists in conflict zones?

“The universal experience of fatherhood resonates deeply. By portraying this relationship authentically, we hope to reach a wider audience and convey the reality of living and working in a conflict zone.”
With over 500 free screenings worldwide, how do you hope your documentary will mobilize viewers to act, especially given the Committee to Protect Journalism warning about escalating attacks on Gaza’s media?

“We’re over 900 screenings worldwide now. Various actions can affect change, including legislative advocacy and social justice initiatives.”
Facing meta-censorship of your films, ads, and funding struggles, how do these barriers mirror the information blockade in Gaza?

“Press freedom is crucial, and the more people become aware of the horrors faced by Palestinian journalists, the more pressure there will be to protect the freedom of the press.”

Greenwald urges viewers to engage with the documentary, stating, “Awareness is the first step to change.” He encourages everyone to think about how they can contribute to ending the violence and protecting press freedom. For those interested in learning more about Gaza: Journalists Under Fire, here are some valuable resources: