Go2Films

“If there are Zionists on the film teams, it would be good to know.” That’s what a judge at the French LGBTQI+ film festival @CheriesCheris said about a Jewish judge on the panel. Julia Layani, a Jewish judge at the competition, faced exclusion after being falsely accused of being a “far-right Zionist,” despite her left-wing views and advocacy for peace. First, an anonymous open letter was published, calling for her removal as a judge. Later, Julia’s request to mention the 101 Israeli hostages alongside Gaza and Lebanon was rejected, and she was barred from speaking. Refusing to be silenced, Julia courageously took the stage to denounce this hypocrisy. 12 out of 16 jury members signed the letter demanding Julia be banned from the festival. Her only “crime”? Being Jewish. It’s time to expose how antisemitism hides behind the word “Zionist.” Julia never expressed an opinion on Israel’s government. Her haters never asked her stance on Netanyahu. She wasn’t targeted for her views or actions—but solely for her religion. Being Jewish alone was enough to make her guilty.