Five years ago, the Ethiopian – Israeli relationship was tender to say the least. There seemed to be an uprising of unfair abuse and incarceration towards Ethiopian society from the Israeli police, and there were plenty of demonstrations from the local Israeli community against these acts. Today, there’s a comedy to spotlight all of the rough spots Ethiopians still face in Israeli society – because when there seems to be no other way, humor is always the best way.
Nebsu, a comedy written by two friends, Yosi Vasa and Shai Ben Atar, showcases a young interracial couple, and the story behind how they mix into their families and daily Israeli life. Many of the shows storylines are true happenings from Vasa’s real life. Vasa has been living in Israel since 1985, back when the Israeli government made a point of saving Ethiopian Jews during Operation Moses. The show aims to acknowledge the distinct separation which Ethiopians face everyday while living in Israeli society.
Perhaps a #BlackLivesMatter Lite version, Nebsu is a great start to inspiring new kinds of awareness and conversation into how 1.5% of Israeli society lives every day. It’s a way to connect with a side of society many Israelis choose not to see – but can learn about the reality with a little laugh.
