Israel’s leading current affairs show is preparing a range of eyewitness news packages for distribution following requests from international broadcasters.
“Uvda,” which is the local equivalent to CBS News’ “60 Minutes,” has prepared a series of documentary films collectively titled “Inside Israel: This Is War.” Comprised currently of seven films each running between 20 and 30 minutes long, they cover all the events from the massacres in Israel on Oct. 7 through to the current war against Hamas in Gaza and are available as individual shorts or as a package.
They include an in-depth look at one of the most enduring images to emerge from the attacks, the kidnap of young mother Shiri and her two redheaded children, 4-year-old Ariel and 9-month-old Kfir. Filmmaker Itai Anghel speaks to members of Shiri’s family, including a heartbreaking interview with her sister Dana.
Anghel’s report on Kibbutz Nir Oz, one of the towns that was devastated by the Hamas attacks, with 25% of its residents either kidnapped or murdered, is also among the films available. His 20-minute report from the ground includes CCTV footage and victim testimonials, giving viewers an eyewitness account of the horrors of that Saturday morning.
Another documentary short, called “Be’eri’s Nurse,” sees investigative reporter Ben Shani visit Kibbutz Be’eri, which lost 30% of its citizens during the attacks and was almost completely burnt down. He also speaks to survivors, including a nurse, who have been evacuated to a refugee camp in the Dead Sea.
Meaning “fact” in Hebrew, “Uvda” airs locally on television network Keshet 12. The show, which has been reporting on both domestic and international topics since 1993, is known for its rigorously objective coverage and has been nominated multiple International Emmy awards including the documentary “Last Stop Before Kyiv” earlier this year. (Keshet which produces and distributes “Uvda,” has also been the subject of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s ire more broadly).
Following the Oct. 7 massacres, which saw over 1,400 civilians in Israel killed by Hamas terrorists while a further 240 have been taken hostage, most of the Israeli broadcast industry ground to a halt as networks pivoted entirely to news coverage. “Uvda” was one of the first programs to return, coming back to screens less than three weeks after the attacks.
“We have hand-picked this package of films with our colleagues at Keshet 12 and ‘Uvda,’ following requests from our buyers for in-depth reporting from inside Israel on the horrifying events of October 7th,” said Kelly Wright, MD of distribution at Keshet International. “Produced by ‘Uvda’s’ internationally recognized team of award-winning filmmakers, these reports offer a different perspective from foreign news coverage — one more focused on the individuals affected by these devastating attacks, and their personal stories of bravery, resilience, and trauma. We hope these films will give international viewers a greater understanding of the devastating impact of Oct. 7 attacks on the people of Israel.”
