New Jerusalem-Based NBC Series 'Legitimizes Israel's Occupation, Apartheid,' say Critics

An upcoming series on the USA Network, owned by NBC Universal, will “give legitimacy to Israel’s policies of apartheid, ethnic cleansing and colonization in occupied Palestinian Jerusalem” and should be dropped, a group of Palestinian civil society organizations has charged.

Slated for airing in 2014, Haaretz reports that the drama series called “Dig” from “Homeland” creator Gideon Raff and “Heroes” creator Tim Kring and developed by Israeli company Keshet Media Group

But Israel’s annexation of East Jerusalem is not recognized by the international community.

Archaeological digs have been going on in the Palestinian neighborhood of Silwan, which residents have blamed for landslides and the expulsion of more families.

The New York Times says Rick Rosen, “a principal at the WME talent agency, who represents every significant player involved in the creative side of the project, and who worked with Mr. Nir and Mr. Raff to bring “Homeland” to Showtime,” told the paper that 

The project has received the praise of Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat, who called “Dig”

“When Hollywood and the Holy City meet, the sky is the limit,” Variety quotes Barkat as saying.