How One Comedian Uses Humor to Heal Amid Conflict

V24 presents an in-depth series covering the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. This comprehensive series features on-the-ground interviews, bringing firsthand insights from a diverse range of voices, including politicians, professors, journalists, experts and influencers. Our guest today: Avi Liberman.

The Power of Laughter

Jewish culture has long embraced humor not just as a coping mechanism but as a powerful moral force, a vital tool for resilience amid adversity. In this exclusive V24 interview, Avi Liberman, an American-Israeli stand-up comedian, explains how laughter becomes indispensable when life’s challenges grow more intense. Having performed extensively on major U.S. networks and led numerous charity comedy tours in Israel, Liberman sees humor as far more than entertainment; it’s essential for sustaining morale and fostering unity during difficult times.

Against the backdrop of the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, Liberman’s insights carry special weight. Having witnessed the tension and anxiety firsthand after the October 7th Hamas attacks, he observes that humor offers much-needed relief. Whether at intimate living room shows or fundraisers for frontline troops and affected families, comedy takes on a deeply therapeutic role. While some question the appropriateness of humor amid tragedy, many embrace it as a rare and precious moment of respite. For Liberman, the enduring need for laughter, even in the darkest periods, is rooted in a cultural tradition that values intellect, wit, and the unyielding spirit to persevere.

Humor’s Deep Roots in Jewish Tradition

The role of humor in Jewish life is both profound and well documented. Across centuries marked by oppression, diaspora, and existential threats, Jewish communities have wielded humor as a form of intellectual resistance. Ancient texts even celebrate jesters and storytellers, highlighting laughter’s spiritual and communal significance. Liberman points out that Jewish teachings have long praised comedians for their ability to uplift spirits, reinforcing humor as a timeless way to connect with others, navigate hardship, and challenge authority with subtlety and insight.

In the emotional turmoil of the recent conflict, stand-up performances have evolved from mere entertainment into a vital cultural balm. Audiences whether Israelis under rocket fire, soldiers preparing for deployment, or families anxiously awaiting news, turn to comedy nights as a brief sanctuary from the storm. Through these shared moments of laughter, they reaffirm a collective identity rooted in survival, resilience, and renewal, refusing to surrender to despair.

Adapting Comedy to a Turbulent Reality

In calmer times, Liberman’s tours and performances typically draw on broad humor - everyday observations, social commentary, and lighthearted banter. But now, amid crisis, his material and tone demand greater sensitivity and awareness. Certain topics become off-limits, yet the core of stand-up remains unchanged: creating a shared space where laughter cuts through fear. Communities eagerly seize these moments to come together and briefly escape the relentless news cycle.

At one impromptu show, limited crowd sizes and strict curfews couldn’t stop a sold-out audience. While some debate the taste and timing of humor during tragedy, Liberman notes that many attendees, some with loved ones in harm’s way, still seek laughter. For them, humor is not a denial of seriousness, but a vital acknowledgment that life’s fundamental joys endure. This shift highlights the evolving role of the comedian: no longer just an entertainer, but a kind of morale officer, delivering small but meaningful pockets of relief amidst ongoing crisis.

Moral Clarity Through Laughter

While Liberman recognizes the global complexity surrounding Israel and the conflict, he believes that sometimes, simplicity cuts through the noise. He urges audiences to question one-sided narratives that assign blame entirely to one party. Instead, he poses a straightforward question: If given a choice, under which system would most people prefer to live? This shift in perspective uncovers a deeper moral clarity, making it harder for misleading narratives to take hold.

Liberman calls out what he terms “lazy media tropes” — accusations of genocide, claims of disproportionate responses, and allegations of unjust blockades — and challenges people to rethink these clichés. For him, comedy is a powerful tool to dismantle stereotypes and provoke critical thinking without preaching. Humor gives people the courage to face uncomfortable truths with balance, using wit to cut through fear and confusion.

As the conflict drags on and uncertainty looms, Liberman remains steadfast that comedy and cultural expression will continue to be vital pillars of resilience. Following in the footsteps of countless Jewish comedians before him, he believes humor can reclaim narratives, correct misconceptions, and strengthen community bonds. Where many see despair, he sees the enduring spirit of a people who transform adversity into a source of intellectual and emotional liberation.

Adam Starzynski

Journalist | Foreign Policy Analyst

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