Avri Gilad Says He Has Bell’s Palsy After Developing Facial Paralysis

Israeli broadcaster Avri Gilad disclosed on November 6 that he has Bell’s palsy, saying that half his face had become paralyzed. Speaking with Rabbi Mordechai Gottlieb on their shared podcast, Tandu, the Keshet 12 presenter said he had already consulted doctors, undergone checks and received medication. Gilad said he first noticed something unusual when he woke the previous morning, November 5, and then saw the change when he looked in a mirror. “I am paralyzed in half my face,” he said. He also described how the condition affected an everyday activity: when he drank coffee, some of it dripped onto his clothing. The conversation turned to how he was responding to the experience. Gilad described a choice between carrying on with his routine, becoming anxious, feeling like a victim or finding a way to work with the situation. Gottlieb told him that he had chosen joy, and Gilad agreed, using humor as he discussed the visible change in his face. Gilad said he hoped his condition would improve within days. His account described both the medical attention he had sought and his effort to approach the sudden change without letting anxiety determine his response.