Palestinian comedian proud and hurt after successful Netflix special

Palestinian comedian Mo Amer is feeling a mix of pride and hurt as he reflects on the success of his Netflix hit show that is based on his own life. Playing the role of Mo Najjar, a Palestinian refugee adjusting to life in the US while navigating the complexities of the immigration process, Mo poured his heart and soul into the project, despite the emotional toll it took on him.

One of the challenges Mo faced was deciding on the timeline for the second season of the show. He deliberately set the final episode on 6 October 2023, just before a significant event in the conflict between Israel and Palestine, in order to keep the focus on the storyline and characters without overshadowing them with real-world events.

Mo wanted to capture the everyday challenges faced by Palestinians, including the scrutiny at Israeli checkpoints and the reality of living in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. The positive reception to the show, especially the emotional finale, has resonated with fans around the world, not just Palestinians.

Despite the success of the show, Mo feels the weight of representing Palestinians in mainstream media, especially given the limited representation they’ve historically had. While he acknowledges the pressure from fans and outsiders to tell a certain story, Mo remains committed to sharing his own experiences and staying true to his narrative.

As he embarks on a global stand-up tour, Mo remains hopeful for a better future and believes in the power of dialogue and conversation to bridge divides and foster understanding. While the ceasefire agreement in Gaza provides a glimmer of hope, Mo recognizes the fragility of the situation and the importance of maintaining hope for a brighter tomorrow.