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Hana Laszlo Withdraws from Independence Day Ceremony Amid Backlash

4/14/2026

30 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Israeli actress Hana Laszlo will not light a torch at the 78th Independence Day ceremony due to objections from bereaved families and her work commitments.
Laszlo faced backlash for signing a petition to end the Gaza war.
MK Almog Cohen criticized Hana Laszlo's participation, saying Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers are not war criminals.
Amid tensions, larger Independence Day events will be replaced with smaller community ceremonies.

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Story summary

Israeli actress Hana Laszlo will not light a torch at the 78th Independence Day ceremony due to objections from bereaved families and her work commitments.
Laszlo faced backlash for signing a petition to end the Gaza war.
MK Almog Cohen criticized Hana Laszlo's participation, saying Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers are not war criminals.
Amid tensions, larger Independence Day events will be replaced with smaller community ceremonies.