The Secret History of BiBi-8

Image by Nikki Casey
As “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” continues to rack up historic box office grosses, director JJ Abrams has confirmed a theory floating around internet forums and the Israeli Foreign Ministry — that the lovable, squeaky droid “BB-8” was inspired by the unlovable Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu.
“Both Bibi and BB take stands against fearful weapons of mass destruction, both are forced to work with an African American they distrust, and both have a shiny round dome atop their head.”
Abrams told the Backward that the idea came to him after George Lucas revealed that the character of Han Solo had been based on Menachem Begin.
Why I became the Forward’s editor-in-chief
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And what a time to step into the leadership of this storied Jewish institution! For 129 years, the Forward has shaped and told the American Jewish story. I’m stepping in at an intense time for Jews the world over. We urgently need the Forward’s courageous, unflinching journalism — not only as a source of reliable information, but to provide inspiration, healing and hope.
— Alyssa Katz, editor-in-chief
