Power of Laughter in Times of Crisis

Note: 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.

Avi Liberman on the Power of Laughter in Times of Crisis

Jewish culture has long valued humor as both a coping mechanism and a moral force, serving as a critical tool for maintaining resilience amid adversity. In this exclusive V24 interview, Avi Liberman, an American-Israeli stand-up comedian, presents how humor becomes indispensable when life’s challenges intensify. Liberman, who has performed extensively on major U.S. networks and repeatedly organized charity-driven comedy tours in Israel, views laughter not merely as entertainment but as an essential element of sustaining morale and unity during difficult times.

In the context of the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, Liberman’s perspective holds particular weight. Witnessing firsthand the tension and anxiety in Israel following the October 7th Hamas attacks, he notes that humor can provide much-needed relief. From intimate living room shows to fundraiser events for frontline troops and affected families, comedy assumes a therapeutic role. While some argue about the appropriateness of humor amid tragedy, many welcome it as a rare moment of respite. Liberman emphasizes that the need for laughter, even in grim periods, aligns with a cultural tradition that cherishes intellect, wit, and the capacity to persevere.

Humor’s Deep Roots in Jewish Tradition

The centrality of humor in Jewish life is well documented. Throughout centuries marked by oppression, diaspora, and existential threats, Jewish communities used humor as a form of intellectual resistance. Even ancient texts highlight jesters and storytellers, underscoring the spiritual and communal value of laughter. Liberman notes that Jewish teaching has often praised comedians for lifting spirits, affirming that humor is a time-honored means of connecting with others, processing hardship, and challenging authority with subtlety and intelligence.

Amid the recent war’s emotional strain, stand-up performances have transformed from routine entertainment into a kind of cultural balm. Audiences - consisting of Israelis under rocket fire, soldiers preparing for deployment, and ordinary families worried for their loved ones - turn to comedy nights as a momentary shelter from the storm. In doing so, they reaffirm a collective identity built on survival and renewal, not despair.

“Humor in Jewish tradition has always been a time-honored means of connecting with others, processing hardship, and challenging authority through subtlety and wit.”

Avi Liberman

American-Israeli Stand-Up Comedian

Adapting Comedy to a Turbulent Reality

In normal times, Liberman’s tours and appearances often revolve around broad humor - everyday observations, social commentary, and lighthearted banter. Now, the content and tone must be more measured and context-aware. While certain subjects may be off-limits, the essence of stand-up remains the same: forging a shared experience where laughter cuts through fear. Communities welcome the chance to gather and momentarily escape relentless news cycles.

At one impromptu show, limited crowd sizes and curfews did not prevent a sellout. Some argue about taste and timing, but Liberman observes that people who have family members in harm’s way still come to laugh. For them, humor is not a dismissal of seriousness, but a recognition that life and its fundamental joys persist. This adaptability underscores the evolving role of the comedian: no longer just a performer, but at times a morale officer of sorts, delivering small pockets of relief against a backdrop of crisis.

Moral Clarity Through Laughter and Simple Truths

While Liberman acknowledges the complexity of global opinion on Israel and the conflict, he also believes simplicity can guide understanding. He encourages questioning reductionist narratives that cast one side as entirely at fault. Instead, viewers and audiences should consider a fundamental question: given a choice, under which system would most prefer to live? This rhetorical pivot reduces noise and reveals underlying moral clarity, making it harder for detractors to distort facts.

By focusing on what he calls “lazy media tropes” - accusations of genocide, disproportionate responses, or unjust blockades - Liberman challenges audiences to rethink assumptions. Comedy, in his view, facilitates this reevaluation by dismantling clichés and encouraging critical thought without resorting to lectures. Humor empowers people to confront disturbing realities with a balanced perspective, using wit to dispel fear and confusion.

A Cultural Tradition that Endures

As the conflict continues, and Israel’s future feels uncertain, Liberman remains convinced that comedy and cultural expression will persist as anchors of resilience. Like countless Jewish comedians before him, he embraces the idea that humor can help reclaim narratives, correct misunderstandings, and reinforce communal bonds. Where others may see a hopeless situation, he trusts the enduring spirit of a people who have turned adversity into a platform for intellectual and emotional liberation.

Stefan Tompson

Founder - Visegrad24