Cast of Comedy Central's(R) Hit Series 'The Sarah Silverman Program' to Perform in Live Uncensored Benefit Concert.

Comedians Raise Funds and Awareness to Foster Peaceful Cooperation in the Middle East through Environmental Student Programs

LOS ANGELES -- Comedian Sarah Silverman, known for her irreverent and fearless standup comedy, will be joined by the cast of her popular Comedy Central series "The Sarah Silverman Program" for a live performance entitled "Comedy Without Borders" at 8 p.m. on Thursday, November 29th at Bovard Auditorium on the University of Southern California (USC) campus. Organized by Friends of the Arava Institute, this one-night-only performance features the original uncensored standup comedy of five cast members and special guest comedians. All proceeds benefit The Arava Institute for Environmental Studies in Israel, and tickets are currently on sale at www.friendsofarava.org.

The Arava Institute is a premier university-level environmental teaching and research program that prepares Palestinian, American, Israeli Arab and Jewish future leaders to solve the region's environmental challenges through peaceful cooperation. The Arava Institute is recognized as a model program for fostering international cooperation based on the philosophy that all people, despite political or cultural differences, share the same environment and the same environmental challenges, and that this can be a binding force among diverse populations.

"Sarah and the cast are brilliant comedians, we are grateful that they are committed to our cause and willing to use their comedy and popularity to raise awareness of the amazing work that the institute is accomplishing," said David Weisberg, executive director of Friends of The Arava Institute. "It's only appropriate that our benefit stars Sarah Silverman, a comedian who makes an entire living out of breaking barriers and going well beyond borders."

Silverman is known for her work on the small and big screen, most recently hosting the "MTV Movie Awards". On her Comedy Central show, Silverman plays a character whose absurd daily life is told through narrative and an occasional song. Joining her on stage for "Comedy Without Borders" are fellow cast members Laura Silverman, Sarah's real-life sister who also plays her sister on the show; Steve Agee and Brian Posehn, who play Sarah's geeky gay neighbors; and, Jay Johnstone, who stars in the role of Officer Jay.

Tickets prices start at $50 and are available online at www.friendsofarava.org. Additionally, a limited number of VIP tickets are available for $200 by emailing [e-mail]. VIP tickets include front row center seating and the opportunity to meet Sarah Silverman and the cast following the show.