Hollywood stars such as Mark Rafalo, Olivia Callman and Ridge Ahmed collectively signed an open letter among over 600 members, not criticized for the academy’s stand, in which another land co-director Hamdan Ballal’s attack and arrest by the Israeli army. The board has since apologized for not mentioning the name of the director in its statement.

The open letter mentions, “It is uncertain for an organization to recognize a film with an award in the first week of March, and then a few weeks later to protect its filmmakers.”

“Ballal’s goal is not just an attack on a filmmaker – this is an attack on all those who dare to tolerate the witness and tell the uncomfortable truth. We will continue to watch this film team. Winning the Oscars has put our life in danger, and when the safety of fellow artists is on the steak, we will not tell the words.”

Balll won the Oscar for co-direction to documentary no other land. The filmmaker was earlier attacked and detained by the Israeli army, which was accompanied by his village West Bank settlers. The Palestinian director allegedly retained several injuries, including cuts in his head and abdominal area, shared director Yoval Abraham. Ballal has been released since then.