Let's Give A Damn – Episode Summary
Podcast: Let's Give A Damn
Host: Nick Laparra
Guests: Noam Shuster-Eliassi, Amber Fares
Episode Title: Noam Shuster-Eliassi & Amber Fares: Coexistence, My Ass!
Date: January 19, 2026
Episode Overview
This episode features a raw and impassioned conversation with activist-comedian Noam Shuster-Eliassi and filmmaker Amber Fares about their Sundance Award–winning, Oscar-shortlisted documentary Coexistence, My Ass. The film tracks Noam's artistic and political journey as an outspoken Israeli Jew advocating for Palestinian rights through comedy, all against the backdrop of the past tumultuous five years – from COVID, to surges of violence in Israel/Palestine, and escalating international crises. Nick, Noam, and Amber discuss the making of the film, the realities facing activists and artists, the brutality of ongoing occupation and genocide in Gaza, and the critical role of art in social change.
Key Discussion Points
1. Guest Introductions and Backgrounds ([04:54]–[17:05])
- Noam Shuster-Eliassi:
- Grew up in Neve Shalom/Wahat al-Salam (“Oasis of Peace”), the only intentional mixed Jewish-Palestinian village in Israel.
- Her father, an Israeli “Refusenik,” refused military service in the Occupied Territories and went to prison:
“In our house, my dad was a hero for not...participating in this illegal occupation.” [17:09]
- Noam’s upbringing was political and bicultural; she speaks fluent Arabic and Hebrew.
- Worked for the UN before being fired when the agency got “cold feet” on confronting Israel's right-wing elements.
- Turned to stand-up comedy (in Hebrew, Arabic, and English) to challenge mainstream narratives.
- Amber Fares:
- Lebanese-Canadian, moved to Ramallah, West Bank, for what she thought would be six months, ended up staying seven years.
- Transitioned from a marketing background to self-taught filmmaker, inspired by deep personal questions of identity post-9/11 and working with Palestinian refugees.
- Directed Speed Sisters (about Palestinian women race car drivers), which introduced her to documentary filmmaking.
- Met Noam in Ramallah; they later reunited in the US as Noam was developing her one-woman comedy show.
2. Making "Coexistence, My Ass!" ([30:13]–[38:51])
- The original idea was to chronicle Noam’s attempt to build her show at Harvard for an American audience.
- COVID, the Black Lives Matter movement, surging violence, and the October 2023 attacks dramatically shifted the film’s trajectory:
"We were already in the edit...but we knew we didn't have an ending yet...then October 7th happened..." – Amber [36:25]
- Remote filming during COVID involved Noam capturing footage in quarantine, with additional support from Israeli and Palestinian film crews.
- The film is deliberately not “sit-down interviews” but flows from Noam’s experiences, performances, and the ever-accelerating political context.
- A diverse team, including editor Rabab Hajah—a Palestinian citizen of Israel—created a unique multilingual, cross-cultural collaboration.
3. The Emotional Toll and Harsh Realities of Activism ([38:51]–[49:36])
- Noam describes the profound despair post-October 2023, and the shrinking space for dissent in Israel:
“The feeling is not good...There is much less space for people like me. And together with that, what do you do when Palestinians are not able to do even something close...?” [42:38]
- Notes the significant privilege Israeli Jews have in speaking out, compared to silence and risk imposed on Palestinians.
- On Israeli comedians mocking Gaza’s suffering: “What do I do with an Israeli comedian whose video goes viral...making fun of a starving Gazan child hit by an aid package?” [44:43]
- Ongoing self-reflection on the limits and risks of activism.
4. The Power and Limits of Art for Social Change ([49:36]–[58:31])
- Nick and guests discuss politicians’ failures and the vital, dangerous work of artists as truth-tellers:
“Dictators...know exactly the people who will disturb their plans. And those people are artists. They’re the ones that sing the truth.” – Toni Morrison, quoted by Nick [52:23]
- Amber reflects on the disappointing silence of most mainstream artists and Hollywood, especially at moments like the Golden Globes (Mark Ruffalo the rare exception for mentioning Minneapolis):
"Art does have power to change culture—100%. Are we seeing that? I don't know...the majority of artists have been very silent on this issue.” [53:43]
- Discusses practical obstacles—censorship, career risk, the capitalist structures in entertainment industries, agents/managers stifling outspoken artists.
5. Shifting Culture and The Long Road of Change ([58:31]–[63:24])
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Amber and Noam agree change happens first on the cultural level, often led by the marginalized and the streets, then pop culture and eventually politics follow.
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On the film’s unique role as a “bridge”:
“Some people hearing it from an Israeli Jew does something in their process...but if we want to look at changes...it's a long process and it's a painful one.” – Noam [60:47]
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Nick unpacks his own radicalization journey out of conservative Zionist Christianity, echoing the “unlearning” necessary for broader change.
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Noam warns it is a slow collective process, but ultimately necessary—and urgent given the ongoing suffering.
“Palestinians are paying the highest price for it being so long. But one day people will look back…and say, how could we have allowed this…? …None of it is an excuse to not do the work we are doing.” [62:04]
Notable Quotes & Moments
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On the roots of Noam’s activism:
"In our house, my dad was a hero for not...participating in this illegal occupation and all of it… So from a very young age, I remember a lot of political images..." – Noam [17:09]
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On the mixed village upbringing:
"There’s a joke, whenever I type 'Neve Shalom' on my iPhone, it autocorrects to 'Never Shalom.'” – Noam [19:09]
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On the transformation of the film:
“What was meant to be a story more focused on the attempt to do comedy became documentation of this journey that is not just mine, but so many people who have been through this craziness.” – Noam [29:24]
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On the shrinking space for activism in Israel:
“Now everything just feels much, much more—less people like me have much less space…my Palestinian friends…have gone completely on mute and silent since October 2023…” – Noam [43:00]
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On artistic responsibility:
“Artists are our truth tellers… and you have told tremendous amounts of truth..." – Nick [49:36]
“I think there are some very, very brave artists out there...But the majority...have been very silent on this issue.” – Amber [53:48] -
On change and cultural shift:
“When you look at any sort of change, it has to come culturally first…pop culture never leads us…It’s always subversive.” – Amber [58:31]
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On the pain and price of slow change:
“But it will happen...It’s a long one and it’s a painful one. And Palestinians are paying the highest price for it being so long.” – Noam [61:43]
“As a granddaughter of Holocaust survivors, I’m not making any promises that people learn from their past, unfortunately…” – Noam [62:04]
Important Timestamps for Key Segments
- Guest Introductions / Backgrounds: [04:54]–[17:05]
- Making of "Coexistence My Ass": [30:13]–[38:51]
- On the emotional toll / Israeli politics post-Oct 7: [38:51]–[49:36]
- Art, activism & culture shift: [49:36]–[61:43]
- Closing & ways to watch/support the film: [64:35]–[65:51]
How to Watch & Support
- US Screenings: Community and theatrical screenings beginning soon
- Canada: TV Ontario (TVO), available on YouTube via TVO
- UK (London): Bertha DocHouse extended screenings
- France/Germany: ARTE, March 2026
- More Info & Updates:
Final Thoughts
This episode is a stirring call for both empathy and action, unpacking the intersections of identity, artistry, and political resistance. Coexistence, My Ass! illustrates not only the hope, humor, and heartbreak of one activist’s journey, but stands as testimony to the power—and limits—of art to resist fascism and injustice. The conversation is a must-listen for those wrestling with despair, complicity, and the role we all have in fighting for liberation.
For more:
- Follow @coexistencemyass and let'sgivadam.com for updates, screenings, & ways to support.
- “Keep giving a damn.” – Nick Laparra [66:08]