The Daily Show with Jon Stewart Season 12 Episode 59 Pierre Rehov

In The Daily Show with Jon Stewart season 12 episode 59, Jon welcomes documentary filmmaker Pierre Rehov to the show. Rehov has gained recognition for his controversial documentaries that tackle hot-button issues in the Middle East, including "The Road to Jenin," which examines the 2002 Israeli military operation in a Palestinian refugee camp, and "The Silent Exodus," which follows the stories of Jews who fled North Africa and the Middle East after the creation of Israel.

During the interview, Rehov and Stewart discuss the challenges of making films about the Middle East, including navigating sensitive political and cultural landscapes and dealing with potential backlash from different groups. Rehov describes his approach to documentary filmmaking as a form of journalism, seeking out and examining different viewpoints to present a comprehensive and nuanced picture of the issue. He emphasizes the importance of getting out of one's own echo chamber and engaging with different perspectives, even if they may be uncomfortable or challenging.

Stewart and Rehov also touch on the current political climate in the Middle East, including the ongoing conflict in Syria and the rise of extremist groups like ISIS. Rehov argues that in order to address these issues, it's crucial to understand the ideological and cultural factors that underlie them, rather than simply looking at them as solely political or military problems. He emphasizes the need for education and dialogue, particularly between different religious groups, to promote understanding and foster peaceful coexistence.

Throughout the interview, Stewart engages Rehov in a lively and thought-provoking conversation about the complexities of the Middle East and the role of documentary filmmaking in shedding light on these issues. The episode highlights the importance of hearing diverse perspectives and engaging in open dialogue, even when it comes to hot-button topics that may be controversial or uncomfortable to discuss.