Shalom Assayag Reflects on Tiberias Decline While Filming New Movie

Shalom Assayag, an Israeli actor and filmmaker, spoke candidly about the current state of Tiberias, the city where he grew up and where parts of his new film were shot. In an interview on 103FM on July 8, 2026, Assayag expressed disappointment that Tiberias has not developed into the leading tourist city it was meant to be, but instead has deteriorated over the years. He emphasized the city's natural beauty by the Sea of Galilee and expressed hope that his film would inspire people to visit.

Assayag described the film's plot, which centers on a young man from Tiberias who dreams of making it big in America. The character falls in love with a Jewish-American woman and wants to marry her in the United States to avoid embarrassment from his parents, but eventually agrees to hold a traditional henna ceremony by the Sea of Galilee. The screenplay was written by Danny and Hila Reisfeld, and Assayag felt a strong personal connection to the story.

When asked if the film draws from his own family experiences, Assayag confirmed that it does, noting he has always been open about his family and proud of his roots. He contrasted his openness with other actors who initially felt ashamed of their families but later revealed them after gaining fame.

Assayag also lamented the gap between Tiberias’s potential and its current reality, calling it a shame that the city has declined instead of flourishing as a top tourist destination in Israel. He shared that he recently spent his birthday weekend at the Sea of Galilee, enjoying the area's unique beauty. The article included images from the city’s beach area and mentioned the ongoing controversy surrounding the Tarpaez beach.