Racism exists everywhere. In every country.
And as we all know, it exists here in Israel, in abundance.
I don’t have the tools to measure racism and compare, or to say that Israel is more racist than this country or that one.
But I do believe that the reports we’ve read in the media over the past few years, and focused on here on +972, show the sad state the country is in.
And I’ve always felt that racist language is used much more freely here. It seems easier to use derogatory terms in everyday language, in living room discussions, at dinner parties.
And in reality shows.
One of the most popular reality shows on Israeli TV these days is a show called “Meusharot” (a word play on “happy”, spelled as if it means “rich” – yet sounds exactly the same). The show follows the lives of 6 uber-rich Israeli women.
A lot of it is staged, it’s easy to see – but there’s still a lot of reality in it. In the scene I’ve translated below, two of the show’s stars – Nicole Raidman and Inbar Shenhav – are quarelling. Raidman is a young woman in her 20s married to an anonymous Russian oligarch. She’s now in to event planning, and is trying to bring Lady Gaga to Israel.
Shenhav, the daughter of Prof. Yehuda Shenhav (one of Israel’s most famous one-staters) is a family law lawyer who, as opposed to Raidman, worked a bit harder to get to where she is.
In this scene, Raidman has invited some of the women over to dinner, and one of the gifts she receives sparks a furor.
Wait a minute, Lady Gaga – I have to take it. Hi Chai…
Sorry
Ok sweetie, I’m just in the middle of a meeting, so keep it short
Lady Gaga. It’s so her, to have a phone like that, with all the sparkles. — yeah, I saw it too….
Wait, I didn’t hear. – We’re talking about somewhere between two to two and a half.- Million? – Million shekels
She’s going on tour next year. I know that Shakira is also going on tour.- No, I don’t want Shakira no matter what
She’s an anti semite, she’s disgusting, she’s Arab and I don’t want her- What we have to do first is meet and write them a proposal
i spoke very highly of you, i told them you did one of the biggest weddings in the country
i sent them links, to the journalists, so they understand who you are, you understand me?
Ok, so we’ll talk tomorrow, ok sweetie?- Ok, bye, kisses
Wait, you didn’t open what I bought for you?
wait….
What’s this? “Motherhood”…
Amazing photographs…
Wait, this is a hysterical foto
Wow… it’s motherhood. – Totally…Motherhood. – Motherhood…
Yeah, this is a mother who raises her children to be terrorists. Gorgeous!
No, no. – Yeah, real motherhood!
What? She doesn’t look like a little terrorist who’s going to blow up a bus?
Why is it even important?
I don’t know. Here’s what I think. They are raised with the hatred for Jews, and that’s it!
It’s hard for me, you’re very fascist with what you say. It’s hard to hear.
What fascist things?
The things you said.- About what?
About parents, about Arabs, all the things you just said about Arabs
Listen, I’m not a fascist — That was very fascist
It was very, very fascist what you said
Well, that’s my opinion, and every one is entitled to their opinion
OK
Suddenly, at the end of the dinner, it was like Boom! Fascist!
Why? Why this anger for someone who doesn’t think like you do?
To take it to such an extreme place, of fascist, its… wow… you exaggerated
We have to improve the astmosphere now, what’s going on the TV show?
Do we have to send text messages, or what?
What do we have to do, talk!- Text 2 to 4200, you know how to do it
You send to 2400 the number… 2….
Nicole Raidman isn’t your typical Israeli. Also, Shenhav’s response isn’t your typical response, either.
And I’ll say again, I have no proof that Israel is more racist than another country (does it matter?)
But I will say this: What Raidman said is what a majority of Israelis think. I say that with a certainty of one who lives among those people who say these kinds of things on a daily basis. I hear it constantly.
This is the kind of racism that is so easily dished out in Israel.
For a majority of Israelis, it’s just not a big deal. For them, Raidman hit it right on the nail.