Zehu Ze - Millions

I'm happy about the normalization deal with the UAE and I'm very happy that we don't have to deal with the annexation and its results (for now, at least) but it doesn't make any of Netanyahu's failures go away. Or as the "Black Flag" anti-corruption group bluntly said in a statement ahead of last night's weekly protest: "While the prime minister is busy arranging flights to pools in Abu Dhabi for himself, the people of Israel are collapsing [due to] the failure to manage the economic and health crisis. No flights to the Gulf, jobs in Israel!"

Zehu Ze ('this is it' in Hebrew) ran from 1978 to 1998 but is especially remembered for its satirical skits during the Gulf War which brought much needed comic relief to the country. The show reunited at the beginning of the Coronavirus crisis and is now in its second season (how time flies...). I'm not a huge fan of all the skits but I always make sure to check out which cover the cast performed (all of them are available here) in what has become a beloved segment of the show. I love their take on Etti Ankri's classic song 'Millions' which is sadly always relevant. The translation is from Teach Me Hebrew, where you can also sing along.

I know that money isn't important
I know that if it's gone it may one day return
I know that you know that I know
That thinking about it is just a waste
Of time that flies by - with or without us, it will still go by

I know that you know that I know
That I'm clueless
But someone stepped on me today
And I can't get up

I know that you know
That what I earned this month isn't bad
And nevertheless they arrived
To carry out a writ of execution [taking possession of property from] my apartment

They took the television, the closet, the drawer
They poured out the nothingness that was inside it
I know that this isn't right
And I don't have any proof

I tried to say that taxes
Kill all common sense
And they told me that they're not stealing
They're taking it all legally

I know that you know that I know
That I'm clueless
But the second this happened to me
I couldn't get up

And there are millions like me
Wandering in the streets
There are millions like me
In all kinds of shapes

There are millions like me
Mortal people
Penniless
Not worth a cent

I know that health is important
More than money, much more
And it goes without saying that when it comes to love
We must never give up on it

I know that there are debts from previous incarnations
That apply to us in the universe
So if I fell today
Perhaps tomorrow I'll get up

I know that you know that I know
That I'm clueless
But someone stepped on me today
And I can't get up

And there are millions like me
Mortal people
Penniless
Not worth a cent

You remember Susan, that senior executive from the bank
She gave me a lot of love
Especially my simplicity charmed her
I touched her in her heart

It took her a little time to 'get it'
To change her attitude towards me
She understood that I don't have any cash
And stripped me from my dignity

You know that I know that you know
That I'm clueless
Having been treated by Her Majesty like this
I couldn't get up

And there are millions like me
Wandering in the streets
There are millions like me
In all kinds of shapes

And there are millions like me
Mortal people
Penniless
Not worth a cent
Today it's me
Tomorrow it's you
Penniless
Not worth a cent