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American actor and comedian Michael Rapaport electrified the stage with his stand-up debut in Israel on Sunday night at the Jerusalem Theatre, captivating an enthusiastic audience in a time of turmoil.
The 54-year-old New Yorker, known for his fiery humor and outspoken views, delivered a set that was equal parts raucous and reflective, blending comedy with poignant commentary on current events.
Rapaport, a Jewish American who has become a vocal supporter of Israel since the outbreak of conflict on October 7, showcased his trademark style, filled with manic energy and unfiltered humor.
His more-than-hour-long performance included a mix of profane jokes and sincere observations, resonating with the nearly full house that was already firmly in his corner.
The evening kicked off with a well-received opening act by local comedian Matan Peretz, whose sharp wit and relatable humor set the tone for the night.
Peretz’s best line, “If you typed ‘Israeli’ into an AI photo app, I’d be what they would give you,” elicited laughter and warmed up the audience for Rapaport’s arrival.
As Rapaport took the stage, he wasted no time in establishing the rules of engagement, humorously demanding that cellphones be turned off and jokingly warning anyone with a pager to leave immediately.
His New York street style and charisma shone through as he transitioned into a variety of topics, from the upcoming U.S. elections, quipping, “I could go down to the corner hummus stand and find two better candidates,” to navigating parenting in a politically correct world, with a cheeky “Make spanking great again!”
However, it was his reflection on his first visit to Israel in November 2023, particularly his visit to Kibbutz Be’eri and the atrocities he witnessed, that shifted the room’s energy.
The audience fell silent as he spoke candidly about the horrors of the conflict, skillfully pivoting back to comedy, showcasing his ability to find humor even in the bleakest circumstances.
This balancing act of comedy and candor was a testament to both his talent and the audience’s desire for levity amid the ongoing crisis.
While some of Rapaport’s bits, such as his lengthy segment on alimony and anecdotes about his crush on Rihanna, felt slightly out of place, his material focusing on current events and personal experiences struck a chord.
Lines like, “They’re terrorists, I hate them, they won’t leave…. I’m talking about my kids,” garnered laughter and applause, highlighting his knack for relatable humor even in difficult times.
The significance of an American celebrity performing in Israel during a conflict was not lost on the audience. Even if his performance hadn’t landed perfectly, the mere act of appearing on stage was enough to earn him a standing ovation.
Rapaport’s ability to connect with the crowd amidst a backdrop of uncertainty provided a much-needed respite for attendees.
After his successful debut in Jerusalem, Rapaport is set to continue his tour with an appearance in Tel Aviv on Monday night at Beit Hahayal.
His unique blend of humor and heartfelt commentary promises to resonate further, offering audiences both laughter and reflection in these challenging times.