In the latest episode of the popular medical drama Grey’s Anatomy, which aired over the weekend, familiar faces to the Israeli audience appeared as Moran Atias made her debut in episode 15 of the 21st season (currently airing in Israel on yes and STING+ streaming services).
In the episode titled Bust Your Windows, Atias played an Arab woman named Elham Farid, who is in the hospital with her two sons, Safi and Yosef, as the latter recovers from intestinal surgery. Her character is injured in a dramatic twist when a window cleaner crashes his crane into one of the hospital windows.
Speaking to Ynet about her experience on the set, Atias said: "I was moved to tears on set. Because of the situation, I thought they wouldn’t let me play an Arab woman, but this was a casting director I’ve known for years."
Atias also shared that she chose not to reveal her identity on set to avoid potential debates or divisions: "At the end of the shoot, I brought desserts to the set to finish on a sweet note since I hadn’t worked on a set in three years. On that day, news about the fate of the hostages came out. I told myself I wouldn’t cry here to avoid stirring emotional or political discussions, so I stepped aside."
Atias recounted: "One after another, people came up to me to thank me for bringing sweets on such a tough day while I was struggling myself. In the final scene, I stepped outside to say goodbye to the screenwriter. With teary eyes, I noticed a dog tag on his neck and asked what it was. He told me, 'It’s for the hostages.' From that moment on, I couldn’t stop crying. A screenwriter who I’m pretty sure doesn’t share our political stance made me realize he didn’t know how much he had moved me. A community I thought would alienate me embraced me quietly and deeply."
(Photo: Yes)
Atias has an impressive international resume, including working in Italy with renowned directors, notable roles in Crash and The Village (where she played an Iranian immigrant), and appearances in 24 and the 2010 action thriller The Next Three Days alongside Russell Crowe.
Since the October 7 attack, she has been actively involved in Israel’s public diplomacy efforts.
