Michal Ansky Steals Spotlight Explaining Avri Gilad's Facial Paralysis

News anchor Avri Gilad appeared on air with facial paralysis, significantly boosting ratings by nearly threefold. He was joined by medical expert Michal Ansky, who explained the condition, and reporter Yair Sherki. Ansky described the paralysis as a temporary electrical shutdown of facial nerves, assuring Gilad he could continue normal activities like chewing gum. She also drew a parallel to her own experience with the condition, suggesting a joint business venture or campaign with Gilad, noting that "together we are a complete couple."

Gilad himself suggested that global and national stress, rather than personal life, might have contributed to his condition. A clip was shown from a previous program where Gilad expressed dissatisfaction with his own appearance. He asked viewers to inform the production team if his appearance was too difficult to watch and acknowledged that others face more severe, irreversible conditions.

Ansky's explanation and presence garnered significant attention, with the article noting that "all eyes were automatically drawn to her." The report highlighted Gilad's courage and lack of vanity in appearing on air, acknowledging that such situations often attract viewers, leading to a rating surge to 10.2. The article also praised Channel 12 for its supportive approach to employees with disabilities, referencing a past instance with Moshe Nussbaum who has ALS.

The piece concluded by questioning how a woman in a similar situation would be treated, contrasting Ansky's choice to distance herself from the cameras with Gilad's public appearance. It raised the possibility that Ansky might not have been permitted to appear if she had been 'flawed,' and speculated on the differing responses based on gender.