Shot in Palestine, Israel, and Jordan, GRASSROOTS IN DRY LANDS tells the story of three unconventional social workers united by a common vision, one that transcends the antagonisms between their countries. Nuha, from Nablus (Palestine), Talal, from Amman (Jordan), and Amit, from Sderot (Israel) work to empower some of the region's most disenfranchised, war-scarred communities in an effort to build a just and civil society.

In Sderot, an Israeli town with a large immigrant and elderly population, student volunteers led by organizer Amit Kitain spearhead a campaign to improve access to public services-particularly for those who are poor or disabled. Near Nablus, architect and social worker Nuha Dwaikat Shaer works to provide secure housing for a family, while also initiating therapeutic conversations about domestic violence. Outside Amman, social worker Talal Qdah organizes regular meetings between residents and once-inaccessible political and religious leaders.

By stressing the importance of standing up for individual rights and fair treatment as a local community, these organizers all hope their work will help their clients improve their lives, while contributing to a goal of creating peace and understanding, both within and among communities.