‘Coexistence, My Ass!’ Review: Urgent and Brilliant Documentary Finds Radical Ideas Following Israeli Stand-Up Comic’s Peacekeeping Efforts

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Initially, comedy wasn’t Noam Shuster Eliassi’s primary life goal. However, much like how true vocations often do, stand-up comedy eventually sought out this incredibly charming and humorous intellectual. From an early age, she had always been opinionated with a keen sense of humor. But, as the symbol of goodwill between Israel and Palestine, other responsibilities took precedence, such as securing a position at the United Nations and striving for peacekeeping efforts in the Middle East. However, destiny had different plans, leading her to stand-up comedy.

Stepping into the realm of cinematic critique, I found “Coexistence, My Ass” to be a hilarious yet poignant exploration, largely based on the side-splitting stand-up performances by the talented Eliassi. This film derives its title from a comedy act she crafted at Harvard University, inspired by none other than the charismatic Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy, himself a former comedian. The narrative follows Eliassi’s extraordinary life story as an Israeli woman, brought up by a mother of Iranian-Jewish descent and a father of Romanian-Jewish lineage. This unique blend of cultural influences is woven seamlessly into the comedy, making for a truly unforgettable cinematic experience.

Eliassi confidently states in her program that they were progressive, forward-thinking individuals,” she says. “According to her, they advocated for equal human rights for Israelis and Palestinians,” she emphasizes with a hint of mock astonishment.

The implicit aspect of Eliassi’s memory is what gives her humor its significance. She subtly suggests, “Aren’t equal human rights something self-evident and universally acknowledged?” In her jokes, as well as in the things she doesn’t explicitly state, Eliassi frequently elicits genuine chuckles with her satire. Her comedy serves as activism when she stands before an audience and delivers her performances (in Arabic, Hebrew, and English), using fearlessly pointed remarks. “Don’t worry, I’m only going to be here for seven minutes, not 70 years,” she jokes to a Palestinian audience erupting in laughter. It is at this point that those who are unfamiliar with Eliassi’s provocative work and impeccable comic timing might find themselves captivated by her.

Through the movie’s narrative, we come to understand that Eliassi’s forward-thinking perspective stems from her childhood in Neve Shalom/Wahat al Salam, the unique Israeli village where Palestinians and Jews live harmoniously by their own free will. Her family was particular about not tolerating any derogatory remarks concerning Arabs. They also showed great respect towards their neighbors’ religious celebrations. A notable example is that Eliassi recalls her parents abstaining from barbecuing on Israeli Independence Day as a gesture of respect for their Palestinian friends who were mourning. Despite this, there was still laughter and joy when it was a Palestinian neighbor who cooked kebabs, with young Noam excitedly requesting a taste. “No hidden agendas, just tahini!” captures the essence of their interactions.

In my opinion, the film “Eliassi” takes us on a captivating journey through a small Palestinian town where extraordinary events unfolded. This tiny community was graced by the presence of renowned figures such as Jane Fonda, Hillary Clinton, and Roger Waters. As fate would have it, Eliassi and her cherished friend Ranin were thrust into the limelight, serving as the voices for their hometown.

Throughout these transformative times, Eliassi honed her linguistic prowess, mastering various tongues with remarkable ease (her Arabic skills are nothing short of exceptional in her circle). This newfound talent eventually led her to Brandeis University to delve into the complexities of international relations, and subsequently, to Harvard, where she penned her own stage production.

Over the course of five tumultuous years, I found myself immersed in “Coexistence, My Ass,” a captivating documentary that follows the ascension of artist Eliassi. This journey showcases both her triumphs and tribulations as she navigates widespread support and harsh criticism, particularly from some Israelis who accuse her of favoring Palestine over her own people. Though Eliassi presents a valiant front as she peruses these hurtful comments online, director Fares skillfully highlights the mounting impact they have on her spirit.

Elsewhere in this economically edited masterpiece, the film takes us back to 2020 when Eliassi contracted COVID during her travels. Quarantining at a Jerusalem hotel, she shared stand-up comedy with fellow patients—a diverse group of Israelis and Palestinians. Throughout these routines, and many others that precede and follow them, Eliassi fearlessly explores her multicultural upbringing and dating woes as a single woman, paving the way for an uplifting message of unity among individuals from all backgrounds.

The climax of the movie is its most intense. Eliassi prepares to present her new romantic interest to her parents, but this moment arrives on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched an attack against Israel, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and capturing hundreds as hostages. The ensuing months-long Israeli military action resulted in over 46,000 Palestinian fatalities.

Eliassi feels deeply disheartened as she sees some of her progressive allies shifting their views on Palestinian rights. Yet, she maintains a clear perspective amidst the controversy, despite being labeled a traitor by others. Previously, the occupation was the major issue, in her opinion, transforming the West Bank and Gaza into the largest open-air prisons globally. “If we had tackled this issue earlier,” she muses, “things would have turned out so differently.” Now, she contends that the ongoing genocide of Palestinians is a new elephant in the room that remains unaddressed.

Eliassi’s assertion that lasting peace can only be achieved between equals, not between oppressors and the oppressed, is both thought-provoking and historically validated. She yearns for the time when peace becomes more than just a theoretical concept; it becomes a tangible reality. Though humor might not typically be associated with these subjects, Eliassi and “Coexistence, My Ass” manage to convey revolutionary thoughts in a humorous manner. In an unexpected twist, comedy takes on a profoundly serious and pressing tone.

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2025-01-27 00:18