Saturday, May 1, 2010

22 Days

A major part of Israeli society is the culture surrounding its military. Most Israelis serve in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) for three years, and it therefore is a key milestone in life much like college for 18-21-year-olds in America. So it's not a surprise that much Israeli art and film revolves around the IDF.

For example, there is a popular Israeli show called M.K. 22 (Mem Qoph 22, are the Hebrew letters, which stand for something like 'permanent military camp' 22), which has been jokingly referred to as "Tzahal Park" (which means IDF Park, a reference to its similarities to the irreverent American cartoon South Park). The show is animated and satirically deals with Israel Defense Forces culture as well as Israeli society and current events. The title "Mem Qoph 22" may also bring to mind "Milkod 22", which is Hebrew for "Catch-22"-- appropriate for a military satire show (they say that M*A*S*H was also based on Catch-22).

At any rate, the show saw some positive critical acclaim, but may not return for a second season in spite of its popularity due to negotiations.... Story of the Middle East, I guess. Even when you win, you lose -- that's the spirit of Milkod 22.

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Speaking of the military... did you know that our 2010 Parade Grand Marshall, Meshulam Riklis, spent nearly five years serving in the British Army in World War II? Meshulam is an accomplished businessman, intellectual and entrepreneur - to learn more about this year's Grand Marshall, click here.

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