Coexistence, My Ass! (2025) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Growing Up in the 'Oasis of Peace'

Noam Shuster-Eliassi is raised in Neve Shalom/Wahat al-Salam, a joint Israeli-Palestinian village whose name means 'Oasis of Peace.' Growing up there, she is immersed in a vision of coexistence rooted in equality and justice. This unique upbringing forms the foundation of her lifelong commitment to peace between the two peoples.

Where

Neve Shalom/Wahat al-Salam, Israel

Peace Activism with the United Nations

Before turning to comedy, Shuster-Eliassi works as a peace activist for the United Nations. Her work is devoted to advancing Israeli-Palestinian reconciliation and cooperation. Over time, she grows convinced that traditional advocacy is not effectively reaching people, and she begins searching for new ways to deliver her message.

Turning to Comedy

Shuster-Eliassi decides that humor can succeed where policy work and activism often fail. She pivots from full-time peace activism to comedy, viewing laughter as a more powerful tool for conveying her message of equality. The documentary traces this pivotal transition in her life and career.

Stand-Up Routines

The film follows Shuster-Eliassi's stand-up career as she performs for a wide range of audiences. Her routines skewer both sides of the conflict, using humor to expose the absurdity of ethnic and religious hatred. Through comedy, she manages to say uncomfortable truths about violence and discrimination that ordinary discourse cannot.

Satirical Videos on Social Media

Shuster-Eliassi expands her reach by creating satirical videos for social media. Her online sketches use parody and irony to challenge stereotypes held by Israelis and Palestinians alike. The film shows how these clips amplify her message of equality far beyond the comedy stage.

Television Appearances

Her rising profile leads to appearances on television, where she brings her pointed brand of political satire to mainstream viewers. These appearances give her a larger platform to advocate for equality and challenge prevailing narratives. The documentary highlights her persistence in using every medium available to spread her message.

Confronting Rising Violence and Settler Extremism

As violence against Palestinians intensifies and Jewish settler extremism is emboldened, Shuster-Eliassi refuses to remain silent. She confronts these realities openly in her performances and public commentary. The film captures her insistence on naming discrimination even when doing so makes others uncomfortable.

Where

Israel

Criticizing Netanyahu's Policies

Shuster-Eliassi takes aim at the policies of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, both on stage and off. Her satire targets the government's role in deepening division and perpetuating inequality between Israelis and Palestinians. The documentary shows the personal courage and risks involved in challenging the political establishment.

Where

Israel

Joining Nationwide Protests

Shuster-Eliassi participates in nationwide protests across Israel, marching alongside crowds demanding change. She hopes the demonstrations can spotlight discrimination and push society toward justice. Her presence at these rallies underscores her belief in grassroots action alongside her comedy.

Where

Israel

Dismissed by Fellow Demonstrators

Even within the protest movement, Shuster-Eliassi's efforts to spotlight the discrimination faced by Palestinians are often dismissed. The film reveals her isolation as she advocates for Palestinian rights in largely Jewish protest spaces. These moments show how deep the divide runs, even among people seeking change.

Where

Israel

The October 7 Hamas Attacks

The October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel profoundly shake Shuster-Eliassi. The documentary follows her through the trauma and grief that follow, as someone who belongs to and loves both communities. The attacks mark a devastating turning point in both her personal life and the film's narrative.

When

October 7, 2023

Where

Israel

Mourning the War in Gaza

Israel's devastating military response in Gaza unfolds as Shuster-Eliassi mourns the tens of thousands of deaths. She grieves for victims on both sides of the conflict, unable to value one life over another. The film captures the immense weight of watching communities she loves destroy one another.

When

2023–2024

Where

Gaza

Torn Between Two Communities

Caught between her Israeli and Palestinian identities, Shuster-Eliassi struggles to hold both her grief and her hope. She witnesses hatred and despair rising on all sides of the conflict. Despite the darkness surrounding her, she continues to speak out rather than retreat into silence.

Equality, Not Revenge

Shuster-Eliassi closes the film by insisting that solving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is not too complicated, contrary to popular belief. She firmly rejects the idea that further violence can ever bring peace. Her message is clear and unwavering: equality, not revenge, is the only viable path forward.