Don’t be stunned when you assume you’re watching a video by IDF’s spokesperson Avichay Adraee and see one thing feels off as a result of this Lebanese TikTok creator virtually fooled us all.
Mahmoud from northern Lebanon has gone viral for his uncanny resemblance to Adraee, inflicting confusion and, frankly, some laughs amidst all of the chaos.
For these unfamiliar, the true Adraee has change into a recognizable determine throughout this battle, usually addressing Lebanese audiences with evacuation warnings or statements concentrating on Hezbollah.
Now, this TikToker has seemingly stepped into his sneakers by not solely wanting like Adraee but additionally mimicking his critical tone and communication model.
At first look, you would possibly mistake this doppelgänger’s movies for precise updates from Adraee himself. He appears fairly frankly like a long-lost brother of the IDF’s spokesperson, whereas additionally mimicking his tone, accent, posture, and even having comparable voices.
The creator’s TikTok username “afiday_akhroei” causes much more confusion, as you would possibly mistake it for the true factor at first look.
The resemblance has left viewers unsettled. Some initially thought the TikTok movies had been official messages from the IDF. “Think about if he seems to be your twin!” one commenter joked. Others, nevertheless, are much less amused, questioning the timing of such content material throughout an lively battle.
When requested in regards to the resemblance to Avichay Adraee and the way it has affected his life, Mahmoud opened as much as the 961 in regards to the vital challenges he faces due to this resemblance. “I didn’t have the liberty to decide on my look. This resemblance has brought on me to be hated by many in Lebanon and the Arab world, regardless of being Lebanese myself,” he stated.
He additionally defined how folks in his neighborhood have reacted to the resemblance. “I’ve change into identified by nicknames like ‘Our Avichay’ or ‘Halal Avichay.’ It’s not one thing I ever requested for or get pleasure from,” he added. The resemblance, he shared, has not solely invited mockery but additionally impacted his each day life. “The resemblance to an enemy determine has restricted my life to the purpose the place I can’t reside usually due to the insults I face on the streets.”
Regardless of the placing similarities, Mahmoud maintains a powerful sense of identification. When requested if he intentionally imitates Adraee, he firmly acknowledged, “I’d by no means honor somebody who has harmed Lebanon and Gaza by imitating them. That is how I used to be created.”
The TikTok creator’s movies have sparked many memes and commentary throughout Lebanese social media. Comparisons to Adraee are in all places, with captions like, “Avichay moved to Beirut and began posting TikToks,” circulating extensively. Whereas some discover the content material satirical, others have voiced issues in regards to the confusion it might trigger in an already tense scenario.
Out of necessity, Mahmoud defined, he turned to social media to make a dwelling. “I began posting humorous movies on TikTok to entertain and to make ends meet as a result of my monetary scenario is dire,” he stated. Nevertheless, he clarified to the 961 that his intentions had been purely lighthearted. “I’ve tried to learn from the resemblance by making folks chuckle, however by no means to emulate or promote his ideology.”
The resemblance has additionally affected his skilled life, leaving him unemployed. “I misplaced my job due to this resemblance. My employer stated I used to be an excessive amount of hassle. However I imagine in God—He doesn’t abandon anybody,” he shared with a way of resilience.
He emphasised his loyalty to his nation: “I’m Lebanese, and I stay loyal to my nation. My spirit and origins are fully completely different from his. I maintain my dignity and honor for my homeland above the whole lot else.”
To date, the true Adraee has not addressed his viral twin, however the on-line buzz continues to develop. In typical Lebanese vogue, folks have embraced the humor amidst the chaos, proving that even throughout tense instances, Lebanon’s sharp wit and humorousness stay undefeated.
And one factor’s for positive: Lebanon has no scarcity of surprises, even on TikTok.
