From Political Activism to Provocative Comedy

Noam Shuster Eliassi’s journey is as unconventional as her comedy. Born to an Iranian Jewish mother and a Romanian Jewish father, she was raised in Oasis of Peace, a unique Israeli community intentionally built to foster coexistence between Jewish and Arab citizens. This upbringing, progressive and often provocative, instilled in Eliassi a lifelong commitment to equality. Notable figures like Hillary Clinton and Jane Fonda have visited Oasis of Peace, recognizing its significance as a beacon of hope in a region often defined by conflict.

Eliassi’s activism began early. At 15, she embarked on a speaking tour advocating for peace. Later, she received a full scholarship to Brandeis University, continuing her work as a peace activist. A meeting with the Dalai Lama at 25 further solidified her dedication to non-violent solutions. However, Eliassi’s approach evolved. Recognizing the limitations of traditional political discourse, she turned to comedy as a means of reaching a wider audience and challenging deeply ingrained prejudices.

“There is nothing radical about demanding equality between Jews and Arabs!” Eliassi declares in the film, a statement that encapsulates her core belief. Her stand-up routine, the basis for “Coexistence, My Ass!”, fearlessly tackles sensitive topics, using humor to expose hypocrisy and dismantle harmful stereotypes. The film skillfully blends footage of Eliassi’s performances with personal videos and news clips, creating a multifaceted portrait of a woman dedicated to peace.

Director Amber Fares discovered Eliassi in 2013 while working on her previous film, Speed Sisters. Fares initially wasn’t convinced of Eliassi’s comedic talent, but a weekend trip to Boston to see her perform changed her mind. “I wasn’t sure she was funny,” Fares admitted during the Q&A, “but then I saw the show, and it led me to wanting to make a film about her transition from political activism to comedy.”

Eliassi herself emphasized the importance of Fares’ perspective. She revealed that a previous filmmaker, an Israeli cisgender male, approached her with a project that didn’t feel right. “Something didn’t feel right,” she explained. Fares, having already earned Eliassi’s respect with Speed Sisters, was the ideal collaborator. The trust between them allowed for a level of vulnerability and honesty that is rare in documentary filmmaking.

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The filmmaking process itself was deeply personal for Eliassi, who joked about nearly sharing every aspect of her life with the crew – even freezing her eggs and undergoing a colonoscopy. This willingness to be exposed underscores the film’s commitment to authenticity and its refusal to shy away from difficult truths.

However, the film’s creation wasn’t without its challenges. Eliassi spoke emotionally about the ongoing conflict and the atrocities occurring while they were filming. “There were so many moments… realizing they’re making this film about me while watching Israel practice so much horror and violence on their people,” she said, fighting back tears. Despite these difficulties, she and Fares persevered, driven by a shared belief in the power of their message: the need to resist silence and amplify voices calling for peace.

What role does humor play in addressing deeply entrenched political conflicts? And how can filmmakers navigate the ethical complexities of documenting sensitive issues in real-time?

Further exploring the complexities of the region, organizations like IMEMC – International Middle East Media Center provide independent news coverage and analysis of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Additionally, Human Rights Watch’s Israel/Palestine page offers detailed reports on human rights issues in the region.

Frequently Asked Questions About “Coexistence, My Ass!”