Israeli Sitcom Stars Discuss Show's Unifying Power Amidst National Division
The cast of the popular Israeli sitcom "Kupa Rashit" (The Supermarket) are reflecting on the show's unique ability to unite Israelis from diverse backgrounds, even as the country experiences deep political and social divisions. The show, which has been running for nearly a decade, has become a rare space where children and adults, right-wing and left-wing, Jews and Arabs can gather, largely without conflict.
This unifying effect was further amplified by the recent release of "Kupa Rashit: The Movie," which drew over a million viewers to cinemas. In an interview with "7 Lailot," actors Dov Navon, Keren Mor, Noa Koler, Amir Shurush, Yaniv Swissa, and Daniel Stiopin discussed the show's enduring appeal. Navon attributes the success to the characters' universal relatability and inherent compassion, noting that "no single character is attacked. Everyone attacks everyone, and everyone loves everyone."
Stiopin highlighted how the show transcends ethnic and religious labels, particularly among younger viewers. He observed that children often express affection for characters like Ramzi (an Arab character) or Anatoli (a Russian character) without consciously recognizing their ethnic backgrounds, simply identifying them as favorites. "They don't realize they're saying 'I love the Arab' or 'I love the Russian.' For them, it's just the character they love," Stiopin explained.
Koler described the cast's dynamic as "miraculous and cosmic," emphasizing a healthy division of labor, mutual listening, and compromise, likening their collaboration to a soccer team. The new season of "Kupa Rashit" is set to premiere on September 21st on Kan 11, despite threats from Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi to shut down the public broadcaster. Shurush views such threats as political maneuvers aimed at appealing to a specific voter base.
When asked about their hopes for the future, Mor expressed a desire to add the word "democratic" to Israel's Declaration of Independence and wished for a better reality upon waking.
