Political comedy has a role to play in Gaza

There is nothing funny about the situation in Gaza – where, in addition to the tens of thousands of lives lost, the citizens are currently facing a famine of proportions that may contribute to a ruling of genocide against Israel in the international court system. The images of starving children are haunting, unforgettable. There is also nothing funny about the 134 Israeli hostages remaining in Gaza under the control of Hamas, which presents a conundrum for comedians, especially those who tackle the political spectrum.

So, take recent SNL host Ramy Youssef, whose opening monologue directly addressed the conflict. The thing is, I loved the monologue. I did. It’s worth a watch if you haven’t seen the whole thing. I thought he was sincere and brave, and willing to speak on behalf of humanity rather than one “side” or the other. And somehow, while doing this, he also made me laugh, which is no easy feat.

The thing is, the news cycle is so unrelentingly negative, that…look, as human beings, at a certain point, you stop being able to absorb the information. It’s just too much, especially when the events taking place feel wholly out of your hands to do anything about.

(Sidenote: remember to vote for Biden, please. Even if you’re not a superfan, get yourself to the polls and participate in saving democracy. That you can do.)

Comedians on variously-sized stages around the country are, in increasing numbers, taking on the conflict. Some of the jokes elicit deserved groans from the audience. Others are more nuanced, managing to draw attention to the realities of life as a Jew or a Palestinian in a less-expected way…a way that may bring a different kind of awareness, may reach people who might not otherwise be reached.

There is a saying that goes something like “tragedy plus time equals comedy.” That’s not always so; not in cases of tremendous human suffering. You can also certainly argue that there is no right way to joke about tragedy, that’s an acceptable perspective, although not necessarily my own.

But when done right – and, like I said, it is no easy feat to get these kinds of jokes “right” – comedy has a way of reinvigorating a discussion, making things hurt a little less, just for a moment, and giving us the emotional and mental space to perhaps find a more common ground.