Network Enlists Palestinian-American Comedian Aron Kader and
Jewish-Israeli Actress/Philanthropist Naomi Ackerman to Introduce
Episodes and Provide Insight Into Cultural Complexities
BURBANK, Calif. - July 11, 2014 - As part of KCETLinks mission to educate and enlighten viewers through quality, groundbreaking programming, the nations largest independent public media organization, has enlisted Palestinian-American comedian Aron Kader and Jewish-Israeli actress/philanthropist Naomi Ackerman to introduce ARAB LABOR Season 2 episodes, providing insight into the cultural nuances depicted in the award-winning Israeli sitcom that has engaged a global audience by poking fun at the cultural and political differences in Israels mixed society. Artfully tackling the complexities of a society where tensions are ever present, KCETLink continues its run of Israels top-rated series this summer.
The second season of ARAB LABOR will air exclusively on KCET in Southern California with two half-hour back-to-back episodes Tuesday nights beginning July 15, 2014 at 9 p.m. Additionally, Season 2 will re-air on national satellite network Link TV (via DirecTV 375 and DISH 9410) beginning Sunday, July 20, 2014 at 8 p.m. ET/PT.
It is through a comedic lens that ARAB LABOR creators shine a light on some of the harsh realities of life in Israel. To help viewers understand the challenges, Kader and Ackerman explain some of the series cultural nuances and historical references each week. Leveraging their own wit and wisdom, Kador and Ackerman will introduce back-to-back episodes of Season 2 and identify plot points that might not be understood by viewers who are unfamiliar with the issues surrounding the cultural divide in Israel.
In Season 2, viewers will discover how one decent shower in a Jewish neighborhood is enough to make Amjad decide to upgrade his familys life and move from the Arab village to the wealthy, Jewish neighborhood in western Jerusalem. In the new neighborhood, there is great water flow, garbage is cleaned three times a week, streets are marked and there are trees and gardens.
Amjad, an Arab very well aware of his inferior status in the eye of his new neighbors, will do absolutely anything to get accepted by the average Israeli bourgeoisie. He tries to prove he is an inseparable part of his neighbors life, hoping to please them, and, by doing so, completely neutralizes his identity, culture, and nationality, often at the expense of his family members mental health.
Created by Sayed Kashua, an Israeli-born Palestinian journalist, ARAB LABOR (translated from the Hebrew Avoda Aravit, which colloquially implies shoddy or second-rate work) is a controversial hit Israeli comedy series that focuses on Amjad Alian, a Palestinian journalist and Israeli citizen in search of his identity, as he seeks high status in the society into which he was born, but where his car is searched everyday when he drives to his job in Jerusalem.
Humorously highlighting the collision of language, religion and custom, the milestone series depicts Israeli society through the eyes of an amusing Muslim Arab family and their constant desire to conform. When it premiered in Israel in 2007, the sitcom marked a milestone on Israeli television as the first program to present Palestinian characters speaking Arabic in primetime. ARAB LABOR, broadcast in Arabic and Hebrew with English subtitles, debuted in the U.S. on Link TV in the fall of 2008.
ARAB LABOR stars Norman Issa (Amjad Alia), a Palestinian-Israeli journalist working in Jerusalem; Mariano Idelman (Meir), Amjads Jewish-Israeli coworker at the newspaper; Clara Khoury (Bushra), Amjads wife, mother of Maya; and Mira Awad (Amal), a Palestinian-Israeli attorney to whom Meir is attracted.
Online, viewers can access ARAB LABOR bonus material, including cultural explainers, articles, interviews, and episode descriptions at kcet.org/arablabor and linktv.org/arablabor. Full episodes will also stream online for two weeks following each broadcast.
Season Two Episode Descriptions:
Shower
All Amjad wants is a decent morning shower, but a problem with the water pressure in the apartment above his parents home is getting in the way. Shocked by the superior quality of the shower at his Jewish friend Meirs house, Amjad storms city hall demanding equal water pressure for Jews and Arabs. Instead, the municipal council demands the demolition of his illegal building constructions, giving him an excuse to buy the apartment hes always wanted in Meirs building in a Jewish neighborhood.
Moving
Amjad goes out of his way to carefully plan the Alian familys move into their new apartment in a Jewish neighborhood, but anything that can go wrong, goes wrong. He receives parking tickets every three hours because hes not allowed to park on the street yet. Amjad tries to get a local parking permit from the municipal council, but must first change his address at the population registry department. His mover, who has connections at the department, promises to get him a permit. But the situation turn disastrous when he sets out with Amjads I.D.
Dog
The neighbors dogs bark relentlessly any time Amjad leaves or enters the building; he suspects its because they dislike Arabs.
Nightgown
Amjad decides to purchase sexy lingerie for Bushra at a womens underwear store, where hes suspected to be an Arab pervert.
Building Committee
Amjad decides to purchase sexy lingerie for Bushra at a womens underwear store, where hes suspected to be an Arab pervert.
Purim (Halloween)
Amjad leaves together with Meir for a Purim (Halloween) party, dressed up as an IDF soldier. Amjad leaves the club to smoke and gets kidnapped by two young Palestinians. The kidnappers are shocked and embarrassed to discover they kidnapped an Arab dressed up as a soldier. No one wants Amjad back. No one is willing to pay any ransom fo
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Network Enlists Palestinian-American Comedian Aron Kader and 
