I first encountered David Baddiel by chance, and with surprise. I was watching "The Infidel," a sharp and funny comedy in which a British Muslim (Omid Djalili) suddenly discovers he's actually an adopted Jew. The film made me laugh out loud, and the situations the protagonist found himself in (after his initial disgust that included a long shower and self-loathing scrubbing) were comic, tragic, and so on point! I had to know who this Muslim was who could laugh at his own worldview and address this "taboo" through comedy. Then I discovered the writer was Jewish, not a Muslim with self-deprecating humor. This began my journey of exploration into David Baddiel.
David Baddiel was born in 1964, a British comedian, author, screenwriter, and television personality who has become one of the prominent voices articulating the Jewish experience through the prism of wit, pain, and wisdom. His book "Jews Don't Count" changed my understanding of antisemitism. I read it while still living in Israel, naively thinking the world had mostly moved past Jewish hatred. But the book presented a shocking argument: in an era where other minorities rightfully receive attention, antisemitism doesn't get the same treatment, and is sometimes even silenced.
Now, living in Iceland while Israel is under attack, I understand how right Baddiel was. He speaks, with brilliant directness, about how Jews are often perceived as "too powerful" to be victims, and therefore aggression toward them doesn't count. And Baddiel, a declared atheist who is Jewish only by blood, manages to expose these contradictions with sharp British humor that doesn't spare himself.
In interviews, he reveals how his personal world is interwoven with his creative work: his father suffered from dementia, his mother hid heavy secrets, and he: writes, processes, makes people laugh, reveals. "My family was a barrel of emotional explosives," he once said, and instead of running from it? He processed it through writing.
His latest memoir, "My Family: The Memoir," is no less moving. He's not looking to please, but to expose. In an era where many chase likes, Baddiel chooses human pain and truth. He also doesn't give up on humor. It's part of his DNA, as he says: "I may not believe in God, but I believe in Larry David."
Beyond his non-fiction and social satire, Baddiel has also written a successful children's book series including "The Parent Agency," "Birthday Boy," and "AniMalcolm," which have won awards and sold worldwide. He sees his writing for children as part of his ability to communicate with the next generation about identity, imagination, and humor. Additionally, he has written songs (including the unofficial England football team anthem "Three Lions") and contributed extensively to educational and health charities, including those working for dementia patients—inspired by his personal experience with his father.
Baddiel studied English Literature at King's College, Cambridge, where at a young age he already demonstrated his comic talent as a member of the iconic "Footlights" club. Throughout his career, he hasn't shied away from the spotlight, but has always used it to comment, provoke thought - and above all, to make people laugh.
In my eyes, David Baddiel represents a rare Jewish figure in the British landscape: not trying to apologize, not trying to ingratiate himself. He uses his voice to raise awareness about issues we all need to think about: who we are, where we came from, and how humor can be our strongest weapon against the world.
The book "Jews Don't Count" can be purchased on Amazon.
The documentary film based on the book is available for viewing on Amazon Prime.
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