A not so wonderful war gaffe
Comedian Orna Banai tries to correct herself
Jessica Steinberg, The Times of Israel's culture and lifestyles editor, covers the Sabra scene from south to north and back to the center
It’s been a tough week for Orna Banai.
It began with the comedian’s comments about the country’s operation against Gaza, when she called her nation “an embarrassment.”
She also cracked a joke about being a “trippy lefty who loves Arabs.”
That didn’t go over too well. Banai ended up being fired from her position as a spokesperson for cruise ship line Mano Maritime, and closed down her Facebook page after being publicly berated and threatened.
Now she’s gone public with an apology, stating that as an Israeli, part of the eighth generation of her family in Israel, she is a “partner in the pain and joy of my nation,” and “has no other home.”
But for some fans, it’s too little, too late.
When former colleagues from Eretz Nehederet (A Wonderful Land) — the satirical television show where Banai appeared for the first six seasons — posted a Facebook picture of their visit with a wounded soldier at Beersheba’s Soroka Hospital, comments ranged from appreciative to critical, many involving Banai.
“They’re just trying to improve their ratings!”
“Until you get rid of Orna, you’re as confused as she is!!!
Not to worry, some 53,000 others still ‘liked’ it. Even if it does help their ratings.
The Times of Israel Community.