LOS ANGELES (Press Release) — The Jewish Agency for Israel and the Consulate General of Israel in Los Angeles on November 1 hosted a screening and discussion featuring “The New Jew,” an Israeli documentary mini-series that explores the diversity of American Jewish life and is hosted by one of Israel’s most popular comedians, Guri Alfi.
An enthusiastic crowd of celebrities and community leaders enjoyed an evening of laughter and insightful conversation. Following the opening remarks by the Consul General to the Pacific Southwest, Dr. Hillel Newman and Dr. Ilana Kwartin, The Jewish Agency’s West Region Director, a panel discussion brought together Israeli comedian and series creator Guri Alfi and prominent Jewish American comedian and actor Elon Gold, who recently joined the cast of ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’. The other panelist was comedian and entertainer Tehran Von Ghasri, who has multicultural African-American, Jewish and Persian roots.
The event, held at the iconic Laugh Factory comedy club, represents The Jewish Agency and Consulate’s effort to connect American Jews with Israel, and Israelis with American Jews and was part of The Jewish Agency’s eight-city nationwide tour of the U.S. with the creators of “The New Jew.” Five stops on the tour were held in collaboration with Israeli consulates across the country, which is a first-of-its-kind initiative for The Jewish Agency.
“Israel attributes highest importance to the relations with the diverse American Jewish community,” said Consul General Dr. Hillel Newman. “Learning to understand each other is a key-ingredient in deepening these unique bonds with our American brothers and sisters. “The New Jew” mini-series inspires this important discussion.”
“By touching on sensitive issues in a humorous way, ’The New Jew’ is one of the most important efforts to bring Israelis and American Jews closer. For The Jewish Agency, which has been a leader in educating Israelis about world Jewry, this is nothing less than revolutionary,” said Dan Elbaum, The Jewish Agency’s Head of North America and President and CEO of Jewish Agency International Development.
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Preceding provided by The Jewish Agency for Israel and the Consulate General of Israel to the Pacific Southwest