August 17, 2011, Updated September 11, 2012

Hoping to shatter media misconceptions about Israelis, a student group has launched a new documentary-reality online project that shows what life is really like for 20-somethings in Israel today.

It’s called Is.Real, and it was initiated by students from the Tel Aviv University (TAU) branch of the StandWithUs Fellowship in cooperation with the TAU Student Union.

The project follows the lives of four students trying to make it in music, sport, fashion and tourism fields.

“I felt compelled to expose myself for the series in order to show the world that at the end of the day, we’re all similar. As a young Arab living in Israel, it was important for me to shatter the many myths surrounding our situation,” said Ayman, a 20-year-old Arab-Israeli who dreams of making it in the world of fashion.

The TAU students, who see themselves as ambassadors of Israel, believe that this project has the potential to make a widespread impact on the global public opinion of Israel.

“We wanted to incorporate art, new media, and our desire to show other people our age, in all corners of the world, the reality of daily life for us young people in Israel,” explains Tel Aviv University StandWithUs fellow Or Shahar.

In addition to Ayman, the series will also follow Savannah, a 27-year-old singer-songwriter who immigrated from Australia; Yair, a 26-year-old tour guide and Capoeira instructor from Beit Horon; and Shay, a 26-year-old professional basketball player who plays for the Israeli National Team.

“The Is.Real Project grabbed my attention immediately – it enables me, in my own unique way, to share this magical country with you, to invite you into the life I lead which is so exciting and meaningful,” says Savannah.

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