Comedian and Attorney Amer Zahr Detained, Questioned by Israeli Police After Nazareth Show
A Palestinian American comedian and attorney says he was briefly detained and questioned by Israeli police following a comedy performance in Nazareth, raising concerns about artistic freedom and potential restrictions on speech.
Amer Zahr, a member of the Dearborn Board of Education, detailed the incident on social media, stating he was questioned on Friday, December 26, about potentially “inciting against Israel.” The detention occurred after his first performance in a series of scheduled comedy shows.
Zahr, an outspoken advocate for Palestinian rights, explained that authorities asked him directly if he supported or opposed Israel, to which he declined to answer. He further stated that police warned him he could be held under administrative detention – a practice allowing imprisonment without formal charges – if he were to incite against Israel.
According to Zahr’s account, police presented him with a document written in Hebrew, a language he does not understand. “I said I don’t understand Hebrew and I’m a lawyer in America, I shouldn’t sign something I don’t know about,” Zahr wrote in a social media post. Despite his protest, he was pressured to sign. He ultimately wrote in English, “I don’t understand Hebrew,” and initialed the document.
The detention lasted approximately an hour and a half, causing Zahr to arrive late to his next scheduled show. Remarkably, the audience remained and enthusiastically received his performance. “They didn’t care that they sat around for an hour, and we had a show,” Zahr recounted. “And people laughed, and they let out their emotions, and it was one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever experienced in my life — the steadfastness of the Palestinian people.”
Zahr’s experience has drawn attention from political figures in the United States. State Rep. Alabas Farhat, D-Dearborn, initially issued a statement on Facebook calling on the U.S. government to ensure Zahr’s safety and secure his release, later updating the statement to express hope for his safe return home.
Nazareth, the largest Arab city in Israel, has a significant Palestinian population and frequently hosts cultural events showcasing Palestinian identity and perspectives.
Zahr could not be immediately reached for further comment as of Sunday, December 28.
The incident raises questions about the boundaries of free speech and the potential for political scrutiny of artists and activists expressing views critical of Israeli policies. It also highlights the complexities faced by Palestinian Americans navigating international travel and potential interactions with Israeli authorities.
