Hamdan Ballal, the Palestinian director of the Oscar-winning documentary No Other Land, has shared his harrowing experience after being attacked by Israeli settlers earlier this year. In an op-ed published in the New York Times, he described the incident as “the worst moment of my life.”

Attack and Aftermath

The encounter occurred in the village of Susiya during Ramadan, where Ballal was alerted to a settler attack by a neighbor. Initially attempting to document the situation, he retreated home upon seeing a growing crowd. He warned his family to stay inside, aware of the attackers approaching.

Ballal recounted being confronted outside his home, where assailants verbally abused him and jeopardized his safety. “I was beaten and cursed, mocked as the ‘Oscar-winning filmmaker,’” he recalled, adding that he felt a gun pressed against him and sustained punches from behind. While on the ground, he experienced further violence, stating he was “kicked and spat on.”

Detention by Israeli Forces

Following the assault, Ballal was handcuffed, blindfolded, and placed in an army jeep. He described lying on the ground at an army base, fearful of ongoing abuse, until his release the following day.

He stressed that although his experience was brutal, it is not exceptional, citing a previous incident where masked settlers attacked nearby Jinba, resulting in injuries and arrests.

Official Statements

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) provided their perspective, stating that a confrontation involving rock-throwing erupted near Susiya. They reported injuries to an Israeli citizen and the subsequent arrest of several involved parties.

Reflections on Awards and Activism

Ballal juxtaposed his traumatic experience with the pride he felt three weeks prior when accepting the Oscar for No Other Land, which chronicles the demolition of Palestinian homes in the West Bank from 2019 to 2023. He expressed a poignant sense of failure despite the film’s global recognition: “My life is still at the mercy of the settlers and the occupation.”

He acknowledged the support received following the award, recognizing that his story has resonated with thousands worldwide who stand in solidarity with him and his community.

Academy’s Response

After Ballal’s return, co-director Yuval Abraham criticized the Academy for its lack of public support. Following backlash, the Academy issued a statement condemning violence against artists but did not initially name Ballal. An open letter from over 800 Academy members urged a more direct acknowledgment. Eventually, the Academy apologized for its oversight and issued a statement specifically addressing Ballal’s ordeal.