Israel’s Minister of Culture Stirs Controversy with Oscar Win

A Controversial Documentary

Israel has a Minister of Culture, a fact that was previously unknown to me, as I had only associated Israel with military aggression, not cultural soft power. However, it appears that the Minister of Culture is a 44-year-old politician named Miki Zohar.

Oscar Award Sparks Outrage

On March 3, Zohar criticized the awarding of an Oscar to a documentary about Israel’s settlement in the West Bank, which was occupied by Israel.

A Settlement or an Occupation?

The settlement is the result of “hard work” by Israeli settlers, supported by the military. If translated to Malay, the term “settlers” means “penasihat” or “penyerah,” implying that they are taking over the land of the Palestinian people.

Zohar’s Reaction

For Zohar, the Oscar award was a “sad moment for cinema.” The Academy Awards are the most prestigious awards in the film industry, presented annually by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in the United States.

No Other Land

The documentary, “No Other Land,” won the best documentary award. The film was produced by two Israeli filmmakers, Yuval Abraham, a journalist, and Rachel Szor, a photographer, and two Palestinian activists, Basel Adra and Hamdan Ballal.

Why Zohar is Angry

Zohar is upset because the Oscar award acknowledges the reality of Israel’s occupation, which he believes is unfairly portrayed in the documentary. He also believes that the film’s co-production by Israeli and Palestinian filmmakers is a betrayal of the Israeli cause.

A Different Perspective

However, Sarah Agha, a columnist for The New Arab, argues that the Oscar win is a testament to the Palestinian people’s resilience and determination, despite the intentions of the Israeli filmmakers.

The Realities of Occupation

The documentary follows a young Palestinian boy struggling with forced displacement, as the Israeli military demolishes his community to create a shooting range. A scene that leaves a lasting impression on the viewer is when a Palestinian resident, shot by an Israeli soldier, is left paralyzed for life.

Many Other Documentaries

Agha notes that there are many other compelling documentaries about the violence and occupation of the Israeli regime in Palestine, including various ways in which the Palestinian people resist and struggle against the occupation and its effects.

No Other Land is Not Unique

However, No Other Land is different and influential because it has sparked a global conversation. Despite being a collaboration between Israeli and Palestinian filmmakers, the film presents a clear narrative about the Israeli occupation, which is not disputed by the Israeli authorities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the controversy surrounding the Oscar win by No Other Land highlights the ongoing struggle for human rights and self-determination in Palestine. The film’s success is a testament to the resilience and determination of the Palestinian people, despite the occupation and its challenges.

FAQs

Q: What is the Oscar award?
A: The Academy Award, also known as the Oscar, is the most prestigious award in the film industry, presented annually by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in the United States.

Q: Who is Miki Zohar?
A: Miki Zohar is the 44-year-old Minister of Culture of Israel.

Q: What is the documentary “No Other Land” about?
A: The documentary is about the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and the struggles of the Palestinian people.

Q: Why is Zohar upset about the Oscar award?
A: Zohar is upset because the Oscar award acknowledges the reality of Israel’s occupation, which he believes is unfairly portrayed in the documentary.