On the night of the 97th Academy Awards, a powerful and poignant message echoed through the Dolby Theatre as the Oscar for Best Documentary Feature was awarded to "No Other Land." This film, a collaboration between Israeli and Palestinian filmmakers, tells the harrowing yet hopeful story of the Palestinian community in Masafer Yatta, a region in the West Bank where Israeli authorities have been systematically demolishing homes and infrastructure since 1981.

Directed by Basel Adra, a Palestinian activist from Masafer Yatta, and Yuval Abraham, an Israeli journalist, the documentary captures the resilience of a community fighting to preserve their land and way of life. Adra's personal journey, marked by the demolition of his village's playground, the killing of his brother by Israeli soldiers, and ongoing settler violence, is intertwined with Abraham's quest to amplify the voices of those silenced by conflict.

The film's acceptance speech was a powerful call to action. Adra, who recently became a father, expressed his hope that his daughter would not have to endure the same life of fear and displacement he has known. "We call on the world to take serious actions to stop the injustice and to stop the ethnic cleansing of the Palestinian people," he said. His words were a stark reminder of the ongoing human rights violations faced by Palestinians in the West Bank, where over 40,000 have been displaced since late January 2025, according to the United Nations.

Abraham, standing beside Adra, emphasized the importance of unity and shared humanity. "We made this film, Palestinians and Israelis, because together our voices are stronger," he said. He also called for an end to the "terrible destruction of Gaza" and the release of Israeli hostages taken during the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas. Abraham's remarks highlighted the film's broader message: that peace and justice can only be achieved through mutual recognition and respect for the rights of both Israelis and Palestinians.

Despite its critical acclaim, "No Other Land" faced challenges in securing a U.S. distributor, reportedly due to the sensitivity of its subject matter. However, the film's success at international festivals, including winning the audience award at the Berlin International Film Festival, demonstrated its ability to resonate with global audiences.

The Oscar win for "No Other Land" was not without controversy. Israeli officials, including the Minister of Culture and Sports, criticized the film for its portrayal of Israeli actions, arguing that it distorted the complexity of the situation. However, the film's creators maintained that their goal was to present a truthful account of the struggles faced by Palestinians under occupation.

In a time of heightened conflict and division, "No Other Land" stands as a powerful testament to the human cost of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It is a film that challenges viewers to confront the realities of occupation and to consider the possibility of a different path—one based on equality, justice, and mutual respect. The Oscar win is not just a recognition of the filmmakers' artistry but a call to action for the international community to address the ongoing injustices in the Middle East.

As Adra and Abraham stood together on stage, their message was clear: the voices of those affected by conflict must be heard, and the world must act to end the suffering. "No Other Land" is more than a documentary; it is a rallying cry for justice, a testament to the power of unity, and a reminder that there is always hope for a better future.