How has the Arab-American Comedy Festival changed over the years?
The festival began in 2003. Back then we were just trying to do something to show people in New York that Arabs can be funny and that we’re all not scary and that we’re just like everybody else. Obviously, we also wanted to showcase talented people. But there was definitely a goal of fostering understanding. It was never intended to be annual. It grew from three shows the first year to this year where we’re doing six nights with more than one show a night many of the nights. We’re at our biggest venue at the Zipper Theatre and it’s growing each year. It’s been a fun ride. It’s been challenging at times and frustrating, but so rewarding. The people in our community are so supportive of us. That’s really inspired us because they understand it’s not just comedy. What was it like growing up Middle Eastern in North Jersey? I grew up in Lodi, where everyone was either Italian or they were my father. I do material about that, but it’s really very truthful. People were so intrigued by my dad t
