Because I know you were all waiting to find out how Israel’s version of the Bachelor turned out, I present you with this article from the Jerusalem Post.

The article shares with us that 34-year-old Ari Goldman, a New Yorker who never had any intention of living in Israel long-term, selected 21-year-old Canadian (and Nicole Eggert lookalike) Marie Anbar, who had become known as the show’s “JAP.” Apparently, to those who watched the show, this was a great surprise because on-camera, Ari seemed to be connecting with another contestant far earthier.

In the end, Goldman disappointingly chose the princess. The ostensible reasoning being that geographical differences with Neta were too great to surmount; which begs the obvious question: Why bring an American guy over to Israel to date Israeli women if he has no intention of living here in the first place? What fantasy was this show attempting to portray? Is the idea that 18 Israeli women would naturally fight to win over a rich American and live the “good life” in New York?

The great fault of this show was not Goldman himself, but rather the HOT [cable tv network] producers who assumed the worst of Israeli women. Given Goldman’s logic, Marie wasn’t the natural choice; she was the only choice. It was only fitting that the most pathetic display of fake fireworks ever aired on television ended this ultimately illusory fairy tale.

So basically, JPost is upset because the reality show seemed fake. Silly Israel…when you’ve had as many reality shows on as America has, you’ll begin to understand. It’s Strawberry Fields: nothing is real.

Discussion on the previous Jewlicious post on this show alternately painted Goldman as a conniving opportunist and a great guy. One of my friends seems to be an old buddy of Goldman’s from camp, so he may actually be a legitimately great guy. But we’ll never know.

We know this much is true: reality television seduces subjects with promises of love, money and exposure, and audiences with the promise of emotional trainwrecks and displays of appallingly competitive behavior. One thing is certain: no one will ever emerge from the reality television experience unsullied.

So what have we learned, children? Don’t drink and register as contestants on reality shows. And stay in school. (Except Muffti, who has been in school long enough.)

Fight the real power! [Sinead O’Connor Esther takes out picture of Mark Burnett, creator of Survivor and the Apprentice, and the acknowledged godfather of reality television, and tears it down the middle.]

That said, I still believe a Real World: Jerusalem @ Beit Jewlicious would be an excellent idea. And with that, a nesiah tovah to CK, whose mission and instructions should be clear from this last paragraph.

About the author

Esther Kustanowitz

For more posts by Esther, see EstherK.com, MyUrbanKvetch.com and JDatersAnonymous.com.

14 Comments

  • I think this proves just how much importance singles place on geographical desirability.

    Those Israeli girls never had a chance.

  • An article on NRG (the Ma’ariv Hebrew site) claims that Goldman already has a girlfriend — an Israeli he met in a bar. Sorry, too lazy to dig out the link — but that’s the long and the short of it.

  • How would this program be an excellent idea? Maybe if you had some serious learning and debates, as well as some serious fun, it would be an excellent idea.
    Besides I haven’t watched a Real World on MTV in a number of years. Seems like most of what they had going on was relationship stuff, girls in skimpy outfits, etc… the odd foul violent prone guy. I find Unwrapped more interesting now, lol. Now there ya go, Humus creations.

  • Wrong again Janice. This just shows the importance singles place on having a rich father-in-law. Those poor girls never had a chance.

  • It depends and varies, there are many factors in terms of a chance. Usually on this level, people are open to being crazy about each other.

  • I’m confused…I thought Israeli women didn’t usually go for American guys.

  • I went to high school with Miriam (or Marie as she apparently goes by now). I had heard rumours that she won this show but it all sounded a bit crazy to me. Thanks esther for posting this.

  • The fact is that the Israeli women rejected Ari and pawned Marie off on him when they found out that Ari has an unusually small penis.

  • Whoa Mark!!! That sound like something I would’ve said …Welcome Dude!

  • Ok, so for the first time ever, I just edited one of the comments and deleted another. I don’t believe in censorship, but I did this anyway, because I felt the intent of both commentors were incendiary in intention and served not at all the discussion, only to inflame each other. You have been warned before. So this is it. STOP it., both of you. This is a place for discussion, not personal provocation. If you guys want to rumble, don’t do it here.

    And on that note, Shabbat shalom to all.

  • Very nice Esther, at least you acknowledge the both aspect, but you will note that she did start this once again, also somewhere else recently that I let slide. When will someone speak specifically to her? Do you not see the double standard bec. these guys here are panting for more sex stories, that only she provides, (provided?) where have the sex stories gone to anyway? lol.

  • Marie (miriam’s middle name) won because she was the most suitable candidate. no- ari does not have another girlfriend. and for your information- Neta was devestated she didnt win. Oh ya- did i mention that marie got a free jeep and an appt for a year! eat that shit