Actress Swell Ariel Or takes advocacy for Israeli women further in new film ‘Tankistas’

Israeli actress Swell Ariel Or, known for Netflix's "The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem," is expanding her advocacy for Israeli women and Jews through a new war drama, "Tankistas," in which she plays an IDF unit captain during the 7 October 2023 Hamas attacks. The Tel Aviv-born star, a former IDF service member, has said she prioritises authentic storytelling over award recognition or commercial success, positioning the film as a corrective to what she sees as superficial portrayals of female heroism in mainstream cinema.

Directed by Ayelet Menahemi and inspired by true events, "Tankistas" follows the IDF's first all-female tank unit and its 17-hour defence during the October 2023 attacks, with Or's character commanding three armoured vehicles against Hamas militants. The film, which wrapped production earlier this year, is being edited in English and Hebrew versions ahead of a planned 2027 release, and the cast reportedly spent time with the real-life servicewomen who inspired the story. Or, 27, has also promoted the project and her broader advocacy through appearances on podcasts including "Stars of David with Elon Gold" and Tablet Magazine's "Unorthodox," earning praise from groups such as ARISE for Israel and StandWithUs.