Has your definition of what’s funny changed? Are there some things that are not funny anymore?

There’s no doubt that since the war began, there has been a need to make certain adjustments. To be careful not to say a punchline or even a certain word that might “trigger” someone. In the first few days, I didn’t even feel comfortable saying that I live in a kibbutz. On the other hand, you have to feel the audience and understand what they need. Every performance is different, and if there’s a line or a punchline that can make a specific audience laugh, I won’t give it up. But I wouldn’t go for “dark humor,” certainly not when everything is still so fresh and painful.

2) Do you believe humor can be a form of resilience?

On October 7th, I didn’t think anyone would be able to laugh again, and I definitely didn’t believe I’d be able to make people laugh. About two weeks later, I went to perform for evacuees from the north, as a volunteer. Until the very last moment, I couldn’t believe the show would actually happen. I got on stage and was in shock. I saw how desperately the audience needed to laugh. I realized it was my duty to give them that escapism. The audience needs laughter like air to breathe. The responses I get from people after performances are so moving. People of all ages and backgrounds tell me how much the laughter helped them forget the situation for a moment and how much energy it gave them. Healing in the truest sense of the word.

3) Is there a piece of work—a joke, a meme—that’s inspired you during this period?

A while ago, I came across an American stand-up comedian on TikTok who shared a story from when he was five years old. He was at a kindergarten classmate’s birthday party with his grandfather. He reached for a slice of pepperoni pizza, and his grandfather smacked his hand away from the tray and told him he couldn’t eat it because he was Jewish. So he asked, “What does it mean that I’m Jewish?” And his grandfather answered: “It means you will never be happy.” It felt like a punch to the gut.

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