‫ה' אדר ב תשע"א‬

11 March 2011
Excellency,

Following my conversation today with your Bureau, I wish to convey in writing my

Mission’s deep concern about your decision to host the premiere in the United States of a
film entitled, “Miral,” at the General Assembly Hall of the United Nations on 14 March
2011.

We find it very troubling that the United Nations has chosen to feature this film in the
General Assembly Hall. My Mission is not aware of any other films with such
contentious political content that have received this kind of endorsement from the
President of the General Assembly.

I wish to make it clear that Israel fully supports and respects freedom of speech and
artistic freedom. As you are well aware, Israel enjoys a vibrant civil society and a film
industry that produces and screens films that are sometimes highly self-critical and
controversial.

However, the United Nations has a clear duty to carefully select all programs that are
hosted on its premises in order to maintain a spirit of impartiality. The screening of
“Miral” constitutes an inappropriate use of the hall of the General Assembly, which
already deals with the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict excessively and obsessively.

Unfortunately, until now we have not been able to ascertain the process by which the
decision to screen this film was made or which United Nation’s bodies were consulted.
Furthermore, we have not been informed why Israel’s Permanent Mission to the United
Nations was not consulted in any manner –– and learned about this screening only
yesterday, a few days before the event. Although we have made numerous requests, my
Mission has not yet been provided with a list of all of the commercial films that were
premiered under the auspices of the President of the General Assembly during the past
five years.

H. E. Mr. Joseph Deiss

President of the General Assembly
United Nations
New York
In light of the above, I urge you to reconsider your decision to host the premiere of
“Miral” in the General Assembly Hall. I am concerned that proceeding with such an
event will only further undermine the credibility of the General Assembly of the United
Nations in the eyes of many.

Allow me, Excellency, to renew to you the assurances of my highest consideration.

Yours truly,

[Signed]

Haim Waxman
Ambassador
Chargé d’Affaires, a.i.