(REPORT) — Israeli TV host, comedian and comedy writer Assaf Harel used the final episode of his show “Good Night with Assaf Harel” on Wednesday night to draw attention to the stark differences in living standards in Israel, and to denounce the treatment of Palestinians.
In a scathing indictment of Israeli society, broadcast on the national station Channel 10, Harel told viewers: “Apartheid has been here for ages. Ages.”
However, he said, Israelis have not taken action against it because they are on the “good” side of the divide.
The show, which was aired on Israel’s Channel 10, has been one of the most controversial broadcasts on mainstream Israeli television.
Harel’s show has even been fined for accusing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of using his brother’s death for political gain.
As well as labelling Israel an apartheid state, Harel called out the right-wing government for not taking care of the “couple of million” Palestinians that it is responsible for, who he said lived in a “horrible state”.
“Infrastructure, food, healthcare, education. Millions who are living in abject poverty. Gaza is on the verge of plague, hours on end without electricity or water,” he said.
The video of Harel’s monologue went viral after Haaretz shared a version with English subtitles on Wednesday night.
The clip generated support on social media, with many Twitter users praising his “courage”.
@haaretzcom @christreilly great to see someone telling it like it is and a brave bold move in a country that doesn't want to hear it.
— Gareth Berliner (@GarethBerliner) March 2, 2017
@1LaneOnly @haaretzcom "Courage is contagious. When a brave man takes a stand, the spines of others are stiffened."
— himawari (@drsunflower) March 2, 2017
Others expressed a hope that his words would raise the profile of the issue internationally.
@haaretzcom Wow. Very powerful. I hope his message will be heard by a large global audience
— Steven Zekowski (@steve_zeke) March 2, 2017
@haaretzcom Wise and sad words, hopefully they'll reach many people.
— Benia Krik (@BeniaKrik) March 1, 2017
@haaretzcom This is beautiful & compelling. Also echoes far beyond Israel, to what is starting to happen in the US: delegitimizing tolerance
— artist mother (@welycha) March 1, 2017
This clip comes at a crucial time for the peace proicess in the region, as US President Donald Trump wavers over Washington’s traditional commitment to a two-state solution, and Israel continues building settlements on Palestinian land.
© Middle East Eye
The post Israeli Comedian Slams ‘Apartheid’ State’s Treatment Of Palestinians On Live TV appeared first on MintPress News.