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.”
Get The Times of Israel's Daily Edition
by email and never miss our top stories
By signing up, you agree to the
terms
But for some fans, it’s too little, too late.
Members of ‘Eretz Nehederet,’ visiting a wounded soldier at Soroka Hospital in Beersheba, saying thank you to those — who thanks to them — enable us to have an ‘amazing country’
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.
Watch Docu Nation Season 2: Resilience
when you join the ToI Community
Support The Times of Israel's independent journalism and receive access to our documentary series, Docu Nation: Resilience, premiering December 12.
In this season of Docu Nation, you can stream eight outstanding Israeli documentaries with English subtitles and then join a live online discussion with the filmmakers. The selected films show how resilience, hope, and growth can emerge from crisis.
When you watch Docu Nation, you’re also supporting Israeli creators at a time when it’s increasingly difficult for them to share their work globally.
To learn more about Docu Nation: Resilience, click here.
Support ToI and get Docu Nation
Support ToI and get Docu Nation
Already a member? Sign in to stop seeing this
You're a dedicated reader
We’re really pleased that you’ve read X Times of Israel articles in the past month.
That’s why we started the Times of Israel eleven years ago - to provide discerning readers like you with must-read coverage of Israel and the Jewish world.
So now we have a request. Unlike other news outlets, we haven’t put up a paywall. But as the journalism we do is costly, we invite readers for whom The Times of Israel has become important to help support our work by joining The Times of Israel Community.
For as little as $6 a month you can help support our quality journalism while enjoying The Times of Israel AD-FREE, as well as accessing exclusive content available only to Times of Israel Community members.
Thank you,
David Horovitz, Founding Editor of The Times of Israel
Join Our Community
Join Our Community
Already a member? Sign in to stop seeing this