Al-Fayad said in an interview about the show that “we must inform the new generations [that] this did exist in the Arab countries.”
Saudi commentator Hussein Sobokshi said on Al Arabiya TV that “the Arab audience, especially the Gulf audience, is not used to seeing Jewish characters except in evil roles, like a traitor or a spy. Here, the audience see signs of Jewish culture for the first time on Gulf screens.”
The show has not gone without controversy. According to NPR, some Palestinians are boycotting the show, with one Palestinian TV critic Yousef Shayeb suggesting the show demonstrates the Gulf’s closer ties to Israel.
Despite refusing diplomatic ties with Israel until its conflict with Palestine is resolved, it is an open secret that many Gulf states have seen deepening ties with Israel in recent years.
