Outrage is sweeping Canada’s Jewish community after the Toronto International Film Festival scrapped a documentary on a daring rescue during Hamas’s October 7 massacre, with critics accusing TIFF of silencing Jewish voices and bowing to political intimidation.
The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is under fire from Canada’s leading Jewish organizations after abruptly canceling the screening of “The Road Between Us: The Ultimate Rescue” — a documentary by award-winning Canadian filmmaker Barry Avrich that tells the gripping story of retired IDF General Noam Tibon’s life-or-death mission to save his son and family from a Hamas onslaught at Kibbutz Nahal Oz on October 7, 2023.
TIFF claims the decision stems from “lack of legal clearance” for footage filmed by Hamas during the massacre — but Jewish leaders say the real reason is far more troubling.
Jewish Groups: ‘A Shameful Capitulation’
The Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center (FSWC) blasted the move as an assault on artistic freedom and a dangerous act of “cancel culture.”
“This is unfathomable and disturbing… The arts should transcend politics and uphold truth. Instead, TIFF has allowed political bias and intimidation to dictate its programming,”
— Michael Levitt, FSWC President & CEO
Levitt warned the decision insults Canada’s Jewish community and dishonors the victims and survivors of October 7, calling on TIFF to reverse course.
The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) echoed the outrage, accusing TIFF of surrendering to “a small mob of extremists.”
“This shameful decision sends an unmistakable message: Toronto’s Jewish community… is no longer safe or welcome,”
— Noah Shack, CIJA CEO
A Threat to Free Expression
Critics say TIFF’s choice undermines its own mission to foster empathy and dialogue and sets a chilling precedent where political intimidation dictates cultural programming.
Both FSWC and CIJA are demanding the immediate reinstatement of the film and a public reaffirmation of TIFF’s commitment to artistic integrity and free expression.
With backlash mounting, the controversy threatens to cast a shadow over Canada’s most prestigious film festival — and its reputation as a global platform for truth in storytelling.
