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Motke Zaidl

Mordechai "Motke" Zaidl is an Israeli actor and director, considered one of the most important figures in contemporary Yiddish theater. His career is inextricably linked to the Yiddishpiel Theater in Tel Aviv, where he has been one of the leading actors since its founding. Known for his extraordinary versatility, he has played prominent roles in dozens of productions, ranging from comedy to drama, becoming an iconic figure for audiences. Among his most celebrated performances are those in "Gimpel Tam" (Gimpel the Fool) and "The Wise Men of Chelm." In addition to his acting career, he has also directed several productions and has distinguished himself with his one-man shows, in which he has staged classics of Yiddish literature. His profound contribution to the preservation and promotion of Yiddish culture has earned him prestigious awards, including the Lerner Foundation Prize for Yiddish Theater and the Segal Prize for Theatrical Art.

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