"No Other Land" Wins Oscar, Directors Issue Powerful Call for Equality and Peace
The 96th Academy Awards witnessed a moment of profound significance as "No Other Land," a documentary film focusing on the Israeli occupation of the West Bank, clinched the coveted award for Best Documentary Feature. The victory transcended mere artistic recognition, evolving into a powerful platform for its directors, Basel Adra, a Palestinian activist, and Yuval Abraham, an Israeli journalist, to deliver a stirring message of peace, equality, and the urgent need for a political solution to the long-standing conflict.
The film, a collaborative effort produced by a Palestinian-Israeli collective, shines a stark light on the devastating realities faced by the residents of Masafer Yatta, Adra’s community located in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. It chronicles the relentless destruction and displacement of Palestinians living under military occupation, capturing the human cost of a conflict that has spanned generations.
Adra, visibly moved by the award, shared a deeply personal reflection on his aspirations for his newborn daughter. "About two months ago I became a father and my hope for my daughter is that she will not have to live the same life I am living now, always fearing surveillance, home demolitions, and forcefully displacements," he said, his voice filled with emotion. He underscored the grim realities depicted in "No Other Land," stating that the film reflects the harsh reality that Palestinians have been enduring for decades.
The Palestinian director did not mince words when addressing the international community. He issued a powerful call to action, urging the world to "take serious actions to stop the injustice and to stop the ethnic cleaning of Palestinian people." His impassioned plea resonated deeply, highlighting the urgent need for international intervention to protect the rights and dignity of Palestinians living under occupation.
The film’s victory coincides with a particularly precarious moment in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. A fragile ceasefire hangs in the balance, offering a temporary respite from the brutal war that erupted following the capture of Israeli hostages by Hamas fighters in a multi-pronged attack in 2023. Israel’s subsequent military campaign in Gaza has resulted in a staggering loss of life, with Al Jazeera reporting the deaths of over 60,000 Palestinians.
Amidst the backdrop of ongoing violence and political turmoil, the win for "No Other Land" provided a rare moment of unity and hope. Yuval Abraham, the Israeli co-director, emphasized the power of collaboration and the shared humanity that binds Palestinians and Israelis. "We made this film, Palestinians and Israelis, because together our voices are stronger," he declared.
Abraham spoke passionately about his bond with Adra, referring to him as his brother. However, he did not shy away from acknowledging the inherent inequalities that define their lives. "When I look at Basel, I see my brother. But we are unequal. We live in a regime where I am free under civilian law and Basel is under military laws that destroy his life and he cannot control," Abraham explained, shedding light on the stark disparities between the legal systems governing Israelis and Palestinians in the occupied territories.
Abraham went on to advocate for a political solution that guarantees equal rights and national self-determination for both Palestinians and Israelis. "There is a different path. A political solution without ethnic supremacy, with national rights for both of our people," he asserted.
In a bold and direct statement, Abraham criticized the foreign policy of the United States, accusing it of hindering the path to peace. "And I have to say as I am here, the foreign policy of this country is helping to block this path," he stated, challenging the unwavering support that the U.S. provides to Israel.
Abraham concluded his speech with a powerful message of interconnectedness and shared destiny. "Can’t you see that we are intertwined? That my people can be truly safe if Basel’s people are truly free and safe. There is another way. It’s not too late for life for the living. There is no other way," he declared, encapsulating the film’s central theme of mutual respect and coexistence.
Abraham’s critique of U.S. foreign policy is particularly significant given the ongoing debate surrounding America’s role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The U.S. has long been a staunch ally of Israel, providing substantial financial and diplomatic support. However, critics argue that this unwavering support has emboldened Israel to continue its occupation of Palestinian territories and has undermined efforts to achieve a lasting peace.
The documentary’s triumph and Abraham’s pointed remarks also stand in stark contrast to former President Donald Trump’s controversial proposal to remove Palestinians from Gaza. Such proposals have been widely condemned as inhumane and impractical, further exacerbating tensions and undermining the prospects for a peaceful resolution.
Meanwhile, in Adra’s native West Bank, violence continues to escalate as Israel launches large-scale raids. These military operations often result in civilian casualties and further displacement, perpetuating the cycle of violence and deepening the sense of despair among Palestinians.
The Oscar win for "No Other Land" serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the urgent need for a just and lasting solution. The directors’ courageous and impassioned speeches have amplified the voices of those living under occupation and have challenged the international community to take meaningful action to promote peace, equality, and human rights for all. The film’s message of entangled survival resonates deeply, urging the world to recognize the shared humanity that binds Palestinians and Israelis and to work towards a future where both peoples can live in freedom and security.
