Popular Israeli Show Holds Taping In South Florida
FORT LAUDERDALE (CBS4) - Fort Lauderdale's Parker Playhouse was sold out Tuesday night for the taping of a television program with the most unlikely of television hosts: Israeli soldiers. With no background in television, Ari Abramowitz and Jeremy Gimpel now operated the largest English speaking television program coming out of Israel.
"This show is meant to show the side they don't get to see on CNN." Gimpel explained to CBS4's David Sutta.
The variety show, called "Tuesday Night's Live in Jerusalem", is now in it's fourth year and seen worldwide.
"Even though I don't have a background in journalism, the mission is so important someone had to hear the calling and act." Gimpel said.
So how did they get people to watch? It's actually rather simple. They started showing what everyone wasn't.
Gimpel explained, "So often the Jewish community and the lovers of Israel are mobilized through an anti-terrorism protest and an anti-flotilla protest. And they are always protesting against. We wanted to mobilize the community for Israel in just a beautiful celebration of entertainment, of laughter, of fun, and to bring the community together for a positive event."
Their message seems to resonate with members of the audience.
"I think we need more of that. Which we don't really get in North America." Judy Frestman told us.
There apparently is such a thirst for positive programming about Israel that this North American tour has a following. They didn't spend a dollar advertising this taping.
"When I heard about it I had to make my way down here." Erik Sikes told us.
He had heard about the program talking to a Rabbi visiting from Israel. Then he ran into someone from Brooklyn who watches the show regularly. We found people came all the way from Melbourne, Florida to see the program taping.
Leo McGuire explained "Anytime you have the opportunity to support Israel we do."
Their tour will go through Seattle, Denver and Orlando. If you are interested in seeing the program it airs Tuesday nights on cable television. Check your local listings for times.
