Toronto (August 13, 2025) – Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center (FSWC) is deeply disturbed by the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) this week removing a Canadian documentary on a heroic rescue mission during the October 7 Hamas atrocities in Israel from its screening lineup, and is urging the festival to reverse its decision.

The film, The Road Between Us: The Ultimate Rescue, by Canadian filmmaker Barry Avrich, tells the story of retired Israel Defense Forces General Noam Tibon and his death-defying actions to save his son and son’s family, who were under attack by Hamas terrorists at their home in Kibbutz Nahal Oz on October 7.

TIFF extended the invitation on July 14, but in a letter sent yesterday, TIFF CEO Cameron Bailey informed the producers that the screening had been cancelled. The reported reasons to justify the move include the lack of legal clearance for footage filmed by Hamas terrorists during their massacre in Israel, along with supposed risks of major disruptive protests and internal opposition to the film’s inclusion.

FSWC is deeply disappointed by TIFF’s decision and its failure to uphold its own stated mandate of presenting films that “enrich understanding and foster empathy,” to “foster an environment of constructive and respectful dialogue” and to defend “artistic freedom.” Instead, TIFF has capitulated to extremists determined to silence Jewish voices and experiences. This must not stand.

“This is an unfathomable and disturbing action by TIFF, and the latest in the ongoing 'cancel culture' campaign in which Jews often find themselves in the crosshairs,” said FSWC President and CEO Michael Levitt. “Not only does it violate artistic freedom, it’s an insult to Canada’s Jewish community and to all who suffered unimaginable atrocities and trauma on October 7. From the stories of those murdered and kidnapped, to the grief of the bereaved families, to the pain of survivors and an entire nation still reeling – these experiences deserve to be told and heard. The arts should transcend politics and uphold truth. Instead, TIFF has allowed political bias and intimidation to dictate its programming.”

Add your voice!

Join FSWC, in partnership with CIJA, in urging TIFF CEO Cameron Bailey to stand up for what’s right and reverse the decision to remove The Road Between Us: The Ultimate Rescue from the TIFF lineup.

Tell TIFF to Reverse This Decision

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