Ophira Assayag Praises Yonit Levi's Book Adaptation Deal

Channel 12 presenter Ophira Assayag publicly congratulated her colleague, news anchor Yonit Levi, on the upcoming film adaptation of Levi's book, "Don't Feed the Lion." Assayag shared her pride via her recently launched WhatsApp channel, where she discusses media and entertainment news.

The book, originally published in English a year ago and later in Hebrew by Modan Books, has achieved significant commercial and critical success. It tells the story of three Jewish teenagers in Chicago facing rising antisemitism in their school. The novel has sold tens of thousands of copies, topped Amazon's bestseller list for Jewish children's literature, and appeared on USA Today's bestseller list.

FOX Entertainment Studios, along with production companies Moriah Media and Pilot Wave, owned by Gal Gadot and Yaron Varsano, announced the development of the film adaptation. Levi and co-author Elana Golodryga stated that they wrote the book as "two Jewish mothers anxious about the world their children are growing up in" and expressed gratitude to Fox, Gadot, and Varsano for understanding the story's mission.

For Yonit Levi, this international adaptation marks another milestone in a distinguished career spanning over two decades as the main anchor for Channel 12's flagship evening news program since December 2002. She is considered a prominent and influential media figure in Israel, known for her coverage of major national events, including wars, terror attacks, military operations, and elections. Levi has also interviewed global leaders such as former U.S. Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden.