Uri Barbash Explores Jewish-Arab Partnerships in New Web Series
Director Uri Barbash's new web series, "Shared Destiny", explores inspiring partnerships between Jews and Arabs in Israel, highlighting deep human connections.
Director Uri Barbash is releasing his new web series, "Shared Destiny", featuring 12 pairs of Jews and Arabs working together in science, art, and business. Barbash emphasizes that the series tells a human story rather than a political one, highlighting the deep integration of Arab citizens into Israeli society despite ongoing tensions.
Breaking Barriers Through Art and Science
The 12 episodes of the series showcase non-romantic partnerships, such as Nobel laureate Prof. Aaron Ciechanover and his research partner Prof. Ashraf Brik, as well as filmmakers and comedians. Barbash notes that the project aims to look beyond predictable fields like sports and focus on genuine cooperation. Filmmaker Zohar Shahar and director Jamal Khalaila, who have collaborated on three films, discuss their partnership as a mutual need for diverse perspectives in storytelling.
The Impact of October 7
The outbreak of the war on October 7, 2023, profoundly impacted these collaborations. Shahar and Khalaila lost their production manager, Yaniv Sarudi, at the Nova festival. Meanwhile, Arab stand-up comedian Mohannad Abu-Lafah and his Jewish partner Arik Zilberman had to shelve their coexistence show, "Family You Don't Choose", after Abu-Lafah temporarily left Tel Aviv due to security concerns.
Despite the climate of hostility, the participants believe that true coexistence relies on mutual recognition, open dialogue, and seeing individuals rather than broad stereotypes. Abu-Lafah emphasizes that he wishes to be judged by his actions rather than as a representative of an entire community, urging audiences to approach one another with curiosity instead of fear.
