Stories have the power to humanize, challenge assumptions, and open new conversations. These documentaries and films offer different windows into Israel and Palestine—from personal journeys and historical reflection to grassroots peacebuilding and the search for a shared future.
B8 of Hope is proud to have supported these films, which amplify the voices of Israelis and Palestinians working courageously toward a more peaceful future.
Director: Hanna Assouline
This documentary highlights Jewish and Muslim women who choose dialogue, cooperation, and civic engagement over fear and division.
Why we recommend it: It celebrates the leadership of women whose work too often goes unseen but is essential to building lasting peace.
Directors: Hanna Assouline & Sonia Terrab
Filmed in Israel and the Palestinian Territories, this documentary follows Israelis and Palestinians who continue working for peace despite war, trauma, and deepening polarization.
Why we recommend it: A moving reminder that even in times of profound division, there are people who refuse to abandon dialogue and the pursuit of a better future.
Director: Stephen Apkon
Following members of Combatants for Peace after October 7 and the war in Gaza, this documentary explores whether nonviolence and partnership remain possible in the midst of unimaginable grief and violence.
Why we recommend it: A timely and deeply human portrait of people who continue choosing courage, relationship, and hope when it would be easier to give up.
Director: Michal Weits
Through her own family’s history, Michal Weits examines questions of land, memory, identity, and the legacy of the Jewish National Fund.
Why we recommend it: A thoughtful exploration of history, memory, and the stories societies tell themselves.
Director: Amber Fares
Following comedian and activist Noam Shuster Eliassi, this documentary uses humor to explore identity, politics, and the changing realities of coexistence.
Why we recommend it: A fresh, courageous, and thought-provoking look at difficult questions through wit, honesty, and personal storytelling.
Director: Stephen Apkon
Former Israeli soldiers and Palestinian fighters share how they left violence behind to become leaders in the nonviolent movement Combatants for Peace.
Why we recommend it: One of the clearest introductions to the people and principles behind grassroots peacebuilding.
Director: Brandon Kramer
Following the family of Israeli-American hostage Liat Beinin Atzili after October 7, this documentary explores grief, resilience, and the human impact of war.
Why we recommend it: A deeply personal reminder that every conflict is ultimately measured in human lives.
Directors: Basel Adra, Hamdan Ballal, Yuval Abraham & Rachel Szor
Created jointly by Palestinian and Israeli filmmakers, this Academy Award-winning documentary follows Palestinian communities resisting displacement in Masafer Yatta.
Why we recommend it: An important contemporary film that invites viewers to engage with the lived realities of occupation through the eyes of those experiencing it.
Directors: Erez Laufer & Miri Laufer
Following South African peace activist Robi Damelin, the film explores restorative justice, reconciliation, and what communities can learn from one another after violent conflict.
Why we recommend it: A hopeful exploration of healing, forgiveness, and the difficult journey beyond violence.
Director: Mordechai Vardi
Set in the West Bank, this documentary explores the realities of occupation, identity, and the human relationships that persist amid conflict.
Why we recommend it: Encourages viewers to embrace complexity and look beyond simplistic narratives.
Director: Dror Moreh
Six former heads of Israel’s Shin Bet reflect on decades of conflict, counterterrorism, and the difficult choices they faced while responsible for Israel’s security.
Why we recommend it: A rare opportunity to hear senior Israeli security officials reflect critically on war, leadership, and the pursuit of peace.
Director: Dror Moreh
An inside look at three decades of American diplomacy and the personalities behind repeated attempts to negotiate Israeli-Palestinian peace.
Why we recommend it: Offers valuable insight into both the promise and the limitations of high-level diplomacy.
Director: Shelley Hermon
The story of Israeli Robi Damelin and Palestinian Ali Abu Awwad, whose shared commitment to reconciliation grew from profound personal loss.
Why we recommend it: An intimate portrait of two extraordinary peacebuilders whose friendship has inspired countless others.
Directors: Ronit Avni & Julia Bacha
This award-winning documentary follows Israelis and Palestinians who have each experienced profound loss and chosen dialogue and nonviolence over revenge.
Why we recommend it: A landmark film that introduced many people around the world to the grassroots peace movement in Israel and Palestine.
Aziz Abu Sarah & Maoz Inon | TED2024
Palestinian peacebuilder Aziz Abu Sarah and Israeli peace activist Maoz Inon reflect on the personal losses that shaped their lives and explain why they continue to choose reconciliation over revenge. Together, they offer a powerful vision of peace rooted in shared humanity, dignity, and hope.
Why we recommend it: If you’re new to B8 of Hope’s work, this is an excellent place to begin. It captures the courage, honesty, and commitment to dialogue that underpin many of the peacebuilding efforts featured throughout this Resources page.
Ali Abu Awwad & Ami Dar | TED
Palestinian peacebuilder Ali Abu Awwad and Israeli social entrepreneur Ami Dar explore what genuine security, dignity, and peace require from both peoples.
Why we recommend it: A thoughtful and timely conversation that models respectful dialogue while refusing to simplify the conflict.
Director: Ose Oyamendan
A short documentary exploring the voices and experiences of people working across divides in Israel and Palestine.
Why we recommend it: A thoughtful reminder that meaningful change often begins by listening to voices we do not usually hear.
Mira Awad | TEDx
Palestinian artist and peace advocate Mira Awad reflects on identity, belonging, and the courage required to choose dialogue over division.
Why we recommend it: A moving reminder that courage, empathy, and imagination are essential ingredients for peace.
Short Film
A short video highlighting nonviolence activist Ali Abu Awwad meeting a Palestinian student he has inspired.
Why we recommend it: A concise introduction to the extraordinary people working quietly for peace every day.
Robi Damelin
Robi Damelin shares how the loss of her son led her to dedicate her life to dialogue, reconciliation, and the belief that peace begins by recognizing one another’s humanity.
Why we recommend it: Robi’s story has inspired peacebuilders around the world and continues to remind us that even profound grief can become a force for hope.
Mehra Rimer | TEDxGenevaStudio
Mehra Rimer reflects on how meaningful human relationships can challenge assumptions, transform perspectives, and create the conditions for lasting peace.
Why we recommend it: A powerful introduction to the philosophy that has shaped B8 of Hope’s work from the very beginning.