Israel Has Pushy Stage Parents, Too

September 6, 2006 - 9:16 AM by Allison

It’s always fascinating — in a disturbing kind of way — when you see the stories parents trying to live out their dreams of fame and fortune through their kids.

It’s become a popular genre in the U.S. — and the new Israeli version is reviewed in One Jerusalem:

“Parents today want their kid to be famous” explains Moni Mushonov on the beginning of the new documentary series, Horei Hachalomot (”Parents of Dreams”).

The show focuses on kids and their parents on their journey to fame (or their failure to do so). It’s unclear who is the stronger force here; the children that aspire to become famous and admired or the parents that are fulfilling their childhood fantasies thru their kids. Either way the program portrays a very disturbing reality: pushing parents, talented kids and a lot of dreams of becoming rich and famous.

Here are some of the main characters:

Liraz and Lidia Lantzman – Liraz is a 14 year old boy, dreaming of appearing in the annual major national Hanukah musical. His mother
is his number one fan and escorts him to all his auditions.

Izchak and Avraham Tzimerman- Avraham is a stay-at-home dad. He dedicates all his time to educating his kids to excellence. His son plays the violin at least 5 hours a day, even if that means missing school.

Danielle Levi and Ya-Ya – Danielle is only nine and a half years old but has already performed in 2 plays, wrote a children’s book and modeled for a fashion company. She’s now recording a disc of her own. Her grandmother Ya-Ya supports her and makes sure Danielle does all her homework between her recording sessions.

I found the series interesting, eye opening and mainly worrying.

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