‘Honest and brave’: progressive Jewish figures defend Jonathan Glazer speech

Jewish Voice for Peace and the Auschwitz Memorial among those defending Oscar winner amid backlash over words at ceremony

Jewish figures are speaking out in support of Jonathan Glazer amid a backlash over the Zone of Interest director's Oscar speech, with some calling his words honest and brave".

While accepting the award for best international film, Glazer said he refuted his Jewishness and the Holocaust being hijacked by an occupation which has led to conflict for so many innocent people" in Gaza and Israel. His speech drew applause in the Dolby Theatre but was quickly condemned by groups such as Anti-Defamation League (ADL), and this week hundreds of Jewish Hollywood figures signed an open letter denouncing it.