Has your definition of what’s funny changed? Are there some things that are not funny anymore?
My definition of “funny” is very simple. If it makes you laugh – it’s funny. I used to think that there were no red lines, and I still want to hope that’s true – but when it comes to the utterly hopeless, I don’t even snicker. The hostages in Gaza, above all. The war definitely made me laugh much less overall. That muscle has become very rusty. Luckily, there’s Botox to paralyze the nerves’ muscles.
Do you believe humor can be a form of resilience?
I believe that humor is an amazing mechanism for escape, mental resilience, and coping with pain. I’m in touch with many families whose fates were intertwined on October 7th in many ways, and their internal humor – much of it very dark (!) – has sometimes surprised me. Laughing and crying are responses that share a lot in common. For me, specifically, there’s no difference at all because my forehead is frozen.
Is there a piece of work—a joke, a meme—that’s inspired you during this period?
I think that seeing Joan Rivers – the legend on stage – is the most impressive thing. She has a joke about the week-long mourning for her husband after he committed suicide and her daughter’s reaction: “You cry, you laugh, and you hold your breath.” Comedy at its finest.
Check out Nadav Hendler on: