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The show’s serious turn comes as Israel continues to grapple with the aftermath of the Oct. 7 attack, which left scars on the national psyche. Israelis have debated the government’s response to the attack, with some criticizing Prime Minister Yair Lapid for what they see as a slow or inadequate response.
The attack has also inflamed existing tensions between Israel’s Jewish and Arab citizens. The show’s creators have said that they hope to help bridge those divides, which have only deepened since October.
“We’ve had a lot of disagreements in recent years,” Marcus and Beiser wrote. “We’ve been angry and divided. But there are moments when the nation gathers its strength, when we remember that we are all connected, that we are all Jews, and that we all know what it’s like to be persecuted.”
The show’s serious turn has been met with praise from some Israelis, who see it as a necessary response to the current moment. Others have criticized the show for abandoning its traditional irreverence and humor.
But Marcus and Beiser said they felt the change was necessary.
“We’ve always tried to make people laugh, but this time we felt a responsibility to give voice to the pain and the hope,” they wrote. “We hope that this will be a turning point for ‘The Jews Are Coming’ and for all of us.”
The show’s creators have not said whether they plan to continue in this serious vein in future episodes. But for now, “The Jews Are Coming” has shown that even the darkest humor can give way to moments of reflection and solidarity in the face of tragedy.
And in a country that has weathered so much over its history, that may be the greatest joke of all.
In Israel, a Jewish comedian has found a way to bring some laughter and relief during the pandemic with a series of videos inspired by the Passover holiday.
Yossi Tarablus, a stand-up comedian and television host, has been posting short videos on social media that combine humor with messages of hope and resilience.
The videos, which are in Hebrew but include English subtitles, feature Tarablus dressed as Moses, complete with a staff and robe, delivering comedic monologues about the challenges of life during the pandemic.
In one video, Tarablus, in character as Moses, reassures viewers that they can overcome the difficulties of the pandemic, just as the Jewish people overcame slavery in Egypt.
“I know it’s tough, but remember, I got past Pharaoh — you can get past this,” he says in the video.
The videos have been well-received online, with many viewers expressing gratitude for the comedic relief during a challenging time.
One commenter on YouTube wrote, “I love the way your team have made us laugh. Now you deserve also my gratitude for your tribute to our reality.”