Roger Cohen, currently the Paris Bureau Chief of The New York Times, posted a thought-provoking column about an unusual use of music created to help build understanding between Palestinians and Israelis. In the rap video “Let’s talk straight,” Uriya Rosenman, a Jewish citizen of Israel, and Sameh Zakout, a Palestinian citizen of Israel, sit across from each other at a small table in a garage, hurling invective that reveals the typical arguments and prejudices that often displace engagement and understanding of the other within each group. Cohen explains, “By shouting each side’s prejudices at each other, at times seemingly on the verge of violence, Mr. Rosenman and Mr. Zakout have produced a work that dares listeners to move past stereotypes and discover their shared humanity.” Here are links to Cohen’s article and to the YouTube performance it describes:
A Rap Song Lays Bare Israel’s Jewish-Arab Fracture — and Goes Viral (Roger Cohen, New York Times, July 21, 2021)
Let’s talk straight | בוא נדבר דוגרי | تعال نحكي دغري – Uriya & SAZ