Israeli Viewer Reveals Stereotypes and Reactions to Turkish Series 'Somod'

Israeli journalist Tiki Tabaro watched the Turkish TV series "Somod" and found that the most compelling story was not on screen but in the viewers' reactions. She observed that Israelis are portrayed in the series in a negative, one-dimensional manner, lacking complexity. While acknowledging that artistic works can choose perspectives and be critical, Tabaro highlights the gap between the nuanced reality of Israeli society and the simplistic image presented.

Tabaro noted a recurring reaction among Turkish viewers regarding a religious Israeli character wearing a head covering, which many mistook for a hijab, expressing surprise at the idea of a religious Israeli woman dressing this way. This misunderstanding underscores the limited mutual knowledge between the cultures and the tendency to form complete judgments based on superficial traits.

Another striking response was support for the notion that Jews and Muslims should not be together, illustrating how the series stirs strong emotional discourse about Israeli and Jewish identity. Tabaro reflects on how repeated portrayals of Israelis as cruel or insensitive in media shape entrenched perceptions that are difficult to change.

She questions where the everyday Israelis, those who work, love, raise children, and engage in ordinary life, fit into these portrayals. While not expecting Turkish creators to tell the Israeli story from an Israeli perspective, she wonders why the same negative image persists, casting Israel as a problem and Israelis as guilty.

Tabaro concludes that the reactions to "Somod" reveal more about existing stereotypes and default views of Israel among some viewers than the series itself. She emphasizes that while a show ends, the lasting impressions it leaves continue to influence perceptions long after the screen goes dark.