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\u201cWhen the mayor uses the word antisemitism to silence Palestinians and Israelis who proudly oppose occupation and apartheid together, fighting for justice and equality, he is emptying it out of meaning,\u201d Mr. Abraham said in an email. He added: \u201cI believe that once you see the harsh reality of occupation in Masafer Yatta in the West Bank, it becomes impossible to justify it, and that\u2019s why the mayor is so afraid.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr. Meiner said in his newsletter that Vivian Marthell, the chief executive of O Cinema, had initially responded to his complaints about the film by agreeing to withdraw the film, but that the theater then changed its mind.<\/p>\n
Mr. Tabsch, a documentary filmmaker who also sits on the cinema\u2019s board of directors, said that the original response from Ms. Marthell had been made in a \u201cmoment of duress\u201d given that the mayor\u2019s complaints were viewed as \u201cveiled threats about the future of O Cinema in Miami Beach.\u201d<\/p>\n
But after conversations with theater staff, the board of directors and other local arts leaders, he said that it became clear \u201cthat was not the right course of action.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat our community told us overwhelmingly is that they wanted to see this film,\u201d he said, adding that he hoped that an \u201camicable solution\u201d could be reached.<\/p>\n
In a lengthy statement shared Thursday evening by Mr. Tabsch, Ms. Marthell echoed his characterization of having felt under duress and said her change in position came \u201cafter reflecting on the broader implications for free speech and O Cinema\u2019s mission.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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\u201cOur decision to screen \u2018No Other Land\u2019 is not a declaration of political alignment,\u201d she said. \u201cIt is a bold reaffirmation of our fundamental belief that every voice deserves to be heard.\u201d<\/p>\n
The resolution, if it is passed, would allow the city manager to terminate the lease and seek a tenant \u201cthat more accurately reflects the city\u2019s values and\/or interests in promoting a safe and inclusive environment for residents and visitors.\u201d It would also revoke tens of thousands of dollars in grant funding that have not yet been paid to O Cinema.<\/p>\n
Mr. Meiner was first elected to the nonpartisan mayoral position in November 2023. He did not respond to multiple requests for comment.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n