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Shahak Shapira Decries Rising Antisemitism, Vows to Stay Political in Zeit Interview

He says he will work through his experiences on stage rather than answer hatred with violence.

Overview

  • In remarks reported from a Die Zeit interview, the German-Israeli comedian says he is “super bitter” about growing antisemitism but will not withdraw from political comedy.
  • Shapira rejects violent retaliation, arguing that his community must uphold moral standards despite provocation.
  • His current stage work, including the program “Selective Identity,” delves into his personal struggles such as a psychiatric stay, depression and a breakup.
  • He cites past attacks, including being beaten in Berlin in 2015 after antisemitic and anti-Israel chants, as reasons he addresses these issues publicly.
  • Shapira notes his family’s exposure to violence, from his brother Lahav’s assaults in 2010 and 2024—after which a 24-year-old attacker received a three-year prison sentence—to the 1972 Munich murder of their grandfather Amitzur.