Here It Ain't Europe: Mizrahi Music Challenges Israel’s Western Image
Is Israel the vanguard of Western civilization or fundamentally Middle Eastern and Mizrahi in character? Early Zionist leaders modeled the state on Europe, yet most Israelis today have roots in the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region and many aspects of MENA Jewish culture are now part of mainstream Israeli culture. Mizrahi music—music influenced by MENA Jewish musical traditions—has arguably become Israel’s most popular musical genre. The song “This Isn’t Europe” (“Po Zeh Lo Europa”), by Doron Medalie, (presented here with translated lyrics) critiques Israelis who move abroad, but its video—featuring Yemenite singer Margalit Tzan’ani and queer Mizrahi performers from Arisa—makes a bolder statement about Israel’s identity between East and West.
Credits
Arisa, “Po zeh lo Eiropah” (Here It Ain't Europe). Music and lyrics by Doron Medalie.
Discussion Questions
What references in the music, lyrics, and video do you see as referring to Mizrahi/MENA Jewish identity?
What do this song and video suggest about whether Mizrahi culture can be distinguished from Israeli culture?
What messages might the queer aspects of Arisa’s performance convey about contemporary Israeli and Mizrahi identity?
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Political engagement is central to Mizrahi Jewish identity in Israel, from the Israeli Black Panthers, to Menahem Begin’s Likud, to the emergence of Shas.