Ephraim Kishon

Director & actor · born 23 August 1924 · Budapest, Hungary

Ephraim Kishon was a Hungarian-born Israeli author, playwright, and film director, renowned for his satirical works that humorously depicted Israeli society. Born as Ferenc Hoffmann in Budapest, he survived the Holocaust by escaping from a Nazi labor camp. After World War II, he immigrated to Israel in 1949, where he adopted the name Ephraim Kishon. Kishon became one of Israel's most celebrated writers, publishing numerous satirical columns, books, and plays. His notable works include the film Sallah Shabati (1964), which won a Golden Globe Award and was nominated for an Academy Award, and The Policeman (1971), which also received international acclaim. Kishon's sharp wit and keen observations made him a beloved figure in Israeli culture. He passed away in Appenzell, Switzerland, at the age of 80.

Where to start: Zieh den Stecker raus, das Wasser kocht (1986).