I wish the sense of humor will be more developed in all viewers, not everything that happens in the Middle East or Israel has to do with the Palestinian situation. Not every joke tramples on the Palestinian cause. The Jews may be responsible for a lot of jokes but not to every Arab or Palestine problem. People who do not live in Israel or even Israelis who do not live in the northern part of Israel do not realize to the extent of Arab Jewish integration. I used to work in a hospital in Afula, about 50% of the staff and patients are Arabs, there are issues but as long as you do not talk about politics every one gets along. I can not expect an Arab nurse to be a Zionist more than she can assume I support the PLO. A lot is written about the discrimination of the Arab population but for a country at war, the situation is amazingly functional. I was a combat medic in regular and reserve service. During my college years I worked in a hospital as a medic. I used to change Arab babies one night and the next night I would be in Lebanon doing my best to kill their distant family. How is that for a split personality disorder; not many societies deal with such situation and still manage to function. In summary, the situation is complex and humor is a good way to deal with those pesky issues.

I just watched the first episode and was disappointed. It wasn't funny, it was far too stereotypical, and the translation wasn't wonderful. I don't speak Arabic, but my Hebrew is pretty fluent, so I know that the translation left a bit to be desired. I was very excited to hear about this program, and anticipated its broadcast eagerly. I'll definitely keep an open mind, and watch more episodes before I decide whether or not it's truly relevant, or just a waste of video tape.

I just watched the first episode and I enjoyed how funny it was, poking gently at certain cultural stereotypes of both Arab and Jewish-Israeli cultures. But I was also impressed by the show's commitment to reveal such sensitive topics, like check points for Israeli Arabs and identity divides that they experience being a minority in Israel and knowing what goes on in the West Bank and Gaza. How do you try to fit in such difficult political situation? How do remain committed to your own people and yet try to build your life in Israel? Humor is a brilliant and effective way to bring the truth among divided people and hopefully, build bridges of peace.

I like to see first episode, but can't, not live in U.S.A. :-(

I ran some episodes at the Arab Film Festival in San Francisco this year and loved every one. Humor is by far the best way to share life experience and educate. I hope and trust this series will promote closer relations and understanding both within Israel and, if it plays there, in the Palestinian territories.

Chris ~

This looks excellent - likable and memorable characters in the context of an important and complex situation. I don't have access to LinkTV, and hope strongly that this will be released either online or on DVD in the States. Kudos to Yoshie at MRZine (http://mrzine.monthlyreview.org) for pointing me to this.

Just watched the first episode and really liked it. Amjad is opportunistic, but not unkind; conniving yet naive. I think what makes this work for me is the likeability and multidimensionality of the characters. And in spite of the fact that this is a sitcom, you really do get an insight of life inside Israel for ordinary Arabs.

Arab LAbor exposes to the American viewer to the situation of A Minority living in Israel,which is a separate reality from the lives of PAlestinian Occupied population. it is really very fyunny and revealing

david

Curious what people think about Arab Labor (Avoda Aravit) from the promos and clips, article, etc.

Does this look like a show you will watch?

Do you have any questions about the show?

We would love your feedback.

http://www.linktv.org/arablabor

- brant