It is sad and painful to start a new week like this, as one of the greatest actors in the State of Israel, comedian and director Zeev Revach, passed away tonight at the age of 84.
It is with deep sadness that we say goodbye tonight to the late Zev Revach, the beloved actor we all grew up with. Zev was not just an actor – he was a cultural institution. The man who knew how to make us laugh to tears, move us with the depth of his talent, and make us feel that we are all part of one story – the Israeli story. Revach, an Ophir Prize winner for lifetime achievement, was chosen to light a torch on Israel's 70th Independence Day, and became famous for his appearances in the films "Charlie and a Half," "A Celebration in Snooker," and "A Drop of Luck."
Zeev Revach was born in the town of Rabat, Morocco, and was named after two central figures in Israeli Zionism – Zeev Jabotinsky and Nachum Sokolov. He was the eldest of eight children born to Hana and Rabbi Yitzhak Revach. In 1948, at the age of 8, he immigrated with his family to Israel and moved first to a transit camp in Haifa and then to Jerusalem. At the age of 13, he studied at a high school-agricultural yeshiva in Kfar Hasidim and later served in Nahal.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu paid tribute to Zeev Ravach:
My wife Sarah and I, along with many other citizens of Israel, are deeply saddened by the passing of Zeev Revach – one of the greatest actors we have ever seen in cinema and theater.
Revach, born in Morocco, paved his way through life with his ten fingers. He was a popular and generous man, loving the country and connected to the Jewish heritage. Alongside all this, his artistic talent stood out, which was expressed in diverse acting roles. He played a long line of unforgettable characters, which captivated wide audiences from all segments of the public.
Revah's outstanding talent was making people happy. This is no small feat in the challenging state of Israel. His unique sense of humor brought a wide smile to our lips, and that was his true reward.
We extend our deepest condolences to the dear Ravach family.
Zeev Revach's works will be preserved for years and generations, and will always serve as a candle to his memory.
Culture Minister Miki Zohar paid tribute to the profit:
"It is with deep sadness that we say goodbye tonight to the late Zev Revach, the beloved actor we all grew up with. Zev was not just an actor – he was a cultural institution. The man who knew how to make us laugh to tears, move us with the depth of his talent, and make us feel that we are all part of one story – the Israeli story. It is difficult to imagine Israeli cinema without 'Charlie and a Half', 'Snooker Party' and the other films that have become an ironclad asset, which conveyed to us stories of life, families, laughter, and even pain – all with his unique signature. Beyond the screen and stage, Zev was a great soul, a warm person full of love for people. He was a friend of every Israeli – even without knowing him personally. On behalf of the Israeli cultural world, I would like to send sincere condolences to his family and all his many lovers. Zev Revach was and will remain an inseparable part of our culture. We will always remember you, Zev. Thank you for all the laughter, tears and memories. May your memory be blessed."
Many people don't know that part of his famous film "Tifat Mazal" with Zehava Ben, which was released in 1992, was filmed at the "Italian" hospital in Haifa. The film tells the story of an immigrant from Morocco who struggles to support his daughter Vivian (Vivi) after his wife leaves him.
Most recently, the documentary film about his life, "Good Days: The Story of Ze'ev Revach," directed by Alon Gur Aryeh, premiered at the Haifa International Film Festival last week.
Zeev Revach, Israel's folk comedian, was trapped in a tapecast that later became his prison. From the prestigious stage of the Cameri Theater to the characters from the cinema that have been etched in cultural memory, Revach struggles to find his place between worlds: between religion and secularism, between cult and high art. Using rare materials and extraordinary testimonies, the film "Good Days" outlines Revach's complex story, a cinematic journey about the passion and tragedy of a screen legend we never really knew.
He is survived by his wife, Mali, and five children. The "Hai Fe News Corporation" website shares in the sorrow and heavy mourning of the Revach family.
Benjamin Netanyahu?
Benjamin Netanyahu
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