Table of Contents
- Film Overview
- Who Is Noam Shuster Eliassi?
- ‘Coexistence, My Ass!’ Message
- Filmmaking and Critical Reception
- Why This Film Matters Now
- Sources
‘Coexistence, My Ass!’ Shines a Light Through Laughter
‘Coexistence, My Ass!’ isn’t your typical documentary. Directed by Amber Fares and centered on comedian and activist Noam Shuster Eliassi, the film uses sharp wit and unflinching honesty to confront one of the world’s most entrenched conflicts: the Israeli-Palestinian divide. With a runtime of 95 minutes, it blends stand-up comedy, personal storytelling, and on-the-ground footage to deliver a message that’s as urgent as it is refreshing—Palestinians and Israelis should live as equals.
Who Is Noam Shuster Eliassi?
Born and raised in Neve Shalom/Wahat al-Salam—the “Oasis of Peace,” a rare cooperative village in Israel where Jewish and Arab families live side by side—Shuster Eliassi’s worldview was shaped by coexistence from day one. Fluent in Hebrew, Arabic, and English, she brings a rare multilingual fluency to her comedy, allowing her to speak directly to audiences often kept apart by language and ideology.
Her performances don’t sugarcoat. Instead, they challenge both sides to reckon with uncomfortable truths—about occupation, inequality, and the myth of “peaceful coexistence” when power imbalances remain unaddressed.
The Core Message of ‘Coexistence, My Ass!’
At its heart, ‘Coexistence, My Ass!’ argues that true peace isn’t about polite cohabitation—it’s about justice, equity, and mutual recognition. The film captures Shuster Eliassi’s journey from a hopeful child in an experimental peace village to a global performer using comedy as a tool for activism.
One poignant scene shows her recovering from illness in a Jerusalem hotel during the pandemic, quarantined alongside a diverse group of Israelis and Palestinians. Recalling the moment on stage, she jokes, “Everyone was radically getting along.” But beneath the punchline lies a deeper truth: when stripped of political theater, ordinary people can—and do—connect.
Filmmaking Style and Critical Acclaim
Director Amber Fares, known for her work on Speed Sisters, employs an intimate, vérité approach. Shot between 2019 and 2025, the documentary weaves archival clips, live performances, and candid interviews into a narrative that feels both personal and political.
The New York Times has awarded it a Critic’s Pick, praising its “winning introduction” to Shuster Eliassi and its ability to “disarm divided audiences without ever compromising her activist’s edge—or her sense of humor.”
Why ‘Coexistence, My Ass!’ Matters in 2025
In a year marked by escalating tensions in the Middle East and rising polarization globally, the film arrives as a timely counter-narrative. It doesn’t offer easy solutions—but it does offer something equally vital: a human face on both sides of the conflict, and the courage to laugh while demanding change.
For viewers tired of doom-scrolling and diplomatic stalemates, Shuster Eliassi’s blend of satire and sincerity offers a rare kind of hope—one that’s earned, not assumed.
