Love and Life in Palestine
Omar is a 2013 film directed by Hany Abu-Assad that tells a story of love, friendship, and betrayal in Palestine. The film exemplifies how Israeli occupation in the West Bank and military activity surrounding it affects Palestinians. The conflict begins when Omar is harassed, assaulted, and humiliated by Israeli soldiers after climbing over the West Bank border wall.
Omar and two of his friends decide to attack a military checkpoint in retaliation. Terrorism has a long history in the region as Israeli terrorists utilized symbolic attacks in order to expel British forces and form a Jewish state and Palestinians have used it to respond to Israeli occupation. Humiliation is a large part of the Palestinian experience in Israel as they lack a state and therefore must submit to a hostile, foreign military. Humiliation intensifies terrorism as people seek revenge and political change. While in prison Omar is approached by a member of Hamas. Prisons are breeding grounds for radicalization as they contain victims of the system or criminals. Both groups that could be persuaded by a terrorist organization.
Abu-Assad makes Omar’s experiences with the military feel real by using specific film techniques. When attacking the checkpoint the scene includes a shot through the scope of a gun. This is when Amjad shoots a soldier furthering the drama. When the police come after Omar for the crime the shots are fast paced as they close in on Omar but people in his
community aid him as a family sends him through their home and kids throw rocks at the police car. Shared experiences with the Israeli military create solidarity between Palestinians shown by the community involving itself with the police chase. While in custody Omar is seen naked with his hands tied up in a completely dark room. He is powerless and alone. When Rami beats Omar all the audience can see is them and one interrogation light. For one moment there is a shot of many cigarette butts on the floor showing how long Omar has been tortured for. Shots
from Omar’s perspective in the courtyard looking up at the guards through a wire ceiling show how trapped he is not only as a prisoner but someone without a state.
Rami wants to make Omar an informant and Omar wants to live peacefully and marry Nadia. Due to circumstances, their goals are intertwined and Omar decides to work with him. The rest of the film shows how this decision affects his relationships and ultimately the rest of his life.
It all began with Israeli soldiers abusing their power and led to intense drama in Omar’s life. The drama did not need to happen and could have been avoided if there was justice. Omar’s struggle represents the Palestinian struggle as a whole as he lacks the power to stop the abuse
and must survive within a broken system.