Meet the Comedy Partners
Check out the Judges behind the Laugh With Israel Initiative. Get to know them, love them, and take some great tips about humor from them. These judges will check out your comedic submissions and give their feedback. Obviously they will love everything, but they will also decide which are the top three submissions to win prizes and global recognition (well at least prizes).
1. Aaron Friedman, American Comedian
Born: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. USA • Current Location: Bellmore, New York
Why are you a comedian?
I love making people laugh... and I don't like taking anything seriously.
What do you think about Laughing With Israel?
It's great! It's what we need-- in Israel and everywhere!
Why is humor important for our Jewish connection?
Humor is as integral to Judaism as Talmud! ... or guilt. Humor brings people together and Judaism and Israel can do the same thing.
What is a good tip for people attempting humor, making videos, especially about Israel?
Make it funny!... And cut to the chase-- or rather, the joke. Be original, defy expectations.
How can people view your comedy online? See you in person? Book you for a show?
Visit my group's website www.TheBiblePlayers.com. And here is a 60-second clip to enjoy: Hebrew Mistranslation. And a longer compilation Aaron Friedman Stand-Up Reel.
2. Benji Lovitt, Israeli-American Standup Comedian
Born: Dallas, TX • Current Location: Tel Aviv
Why are you a comedian?
It's fun, meaningful, and doesn't make me dread waking up in the morning. What more could you want in a job?
What do you think about Laughing With Israel?
It's much better than Laughing At Israel! Far too much negative attention is paid to the troubles of this region. Why not focus on some of the positive as well? The Jews are pretty good at comedy and shedding light on hilarity in Israel and around the world.
Why is humor important for our Jewish connection?
If we didn't laugh, we'd lose our minds.
What is a good tip for people attempting humor, making videos, especially about Israel?
Avoid the easy stereotypes and jokes which have been done thousands of times. I’d try to focus on cultural differences, that gap in expectations more than just an Israeli behavior.
How can people view your comedy online? See you in person? Book you for a show?
My new website goes live in the next month so you can start there. There's my Youtube channel as well and my Facebook page. I tour North America three times a year (plus Limmuds Oz and South Africa in 2016) and would love to bring some laughs to your community.
3. Molly Livingstone, Comedian and Weirdo
Born: Hollywood, California • Current Location: Jerusalem, Israel
Why are you a comedian?
I just like making people laugh. Why is humor important for our Jewish connection? I feel like humor is a part of the Jewish DNA. Just like breathing, we all need to laugh. I think Jews know that and have survived through that common knowledge.
What do you think about Laughing With Israel?
I see that humor is a great way to connect with anyone and everyone. It defies, boundaries and has no limits. Israel is often in the spotlight, but not for comedy, more for negative and scary things. The world is missing out on the cultural and comedic side of the country and people. I want us to stop worrying and start laughing together. This is why I created the program, Laugh With Israel.
What is a good tip for people attempting humor, making videos, especially about Israel?
Be yourself. Don’t offend. That’s not funny. Humor is a powerful tool to get people to listen. And it’s objective, so don’t worry if not everyone is laughing. Focus on the people that do get a kick out of it. And have fun.
How can people view your comedy online? See you in person? Book you for a show?
Stay up to date on my shows, rants and life in Israel at The Big Falafel on Facebook. Follow me on Twitter or Instagram or even SnapChat @FalafelBalls. Write me HERE for shows, improv workshops, comedy lectures on Israeli Humor, and more.
4. Yossi Tarablus, Israeli Comedian
Born: Tel Aviv, Israel • Current Location: Tel Aviv, Israel
Why are you a comedian?
Why? Because that is why I was put on this planet to do. You don't decide to be a comedian. Your life propels you in this direction. You just need to decide if you want to be what you are, or what others think you should be.
What do you think about Laughing With Israel?
Amazing idea and it should be a lot of fun. There are so many talented people out there and smartphones today allow people to take HD videos wherever they are. Bring on the funny!
Why is humor important for our Jewish connection?
Jews and humour go together because we were always under pressure and threat. From anxiety come the best jokes. Also no other people on the planet had that much affect on an artform. Can you imagine the world without Jewish humour? Without Mel Brooks and Carl Reiner, without Woody Allen or Groucho Marx or without Jerry Seinfeld? What a boring planet that would be...
What is a good tip for people attempting humor, making videos, especially about Israel?
The first take is usually the funniest, always save the first take. also don't shoot vertical with your phone only horizontal.
How can people view your comedy online? See you in person? Book you for a show?
Check out my website at tarablus.com and you can look me up on Facebook or Twitter @tarablus.
SO, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR??
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