Actor Yehuda Levi Reveals Childhood Bullying and Social Exclusion

Israeli actor Yehuda Levi, 47, has publicly shared a painful childhood experience of social exclusion and bullying, revealing how the ordeal continues to affect him decades later. He disclosed this in a personal post as part of "Zehu K' Etzli" (This is My Red Line), a new national initiative launched by the President's Residence aimed at combating bullying and social ostracism among children and adolescents.

Levi described feeling like an outsider during parts of his childhood, particularly when he lived in South Africa. He recounted a specific incident in sixth grade where classmates told him they no longer wanted to be his friends at a birthday party. This led to a period of being shunned, during which he maintained a facade of indifference while internalizing the pain. He noted that this experience, coupled with his family's sudden departure from South Africa due to financial issues, contributed to his later career choice as an actor, finding solace and a way to adapt in the world of cinema.

Reflecting on his own experiences, Levi admitted that he too has hurt others and sometimes distanced himself from people who tried to get close, recognizing this as a defense mechanism stemming from his childhood trauma. He expressed a desire to apologize to those he disappeared from, explaining that his withdrawal was often due to them being too important and thus potentially capable of causing him pain.

His post was part of a national campaign against bullying, launched shortly after the start of the school year. The initiative highlights that one in three children in Israel reports experiencing bullying or social exclusion. Levi urged children who engage in bullying to consider the lasting impact of their actions, emphasizing that the child they target is a human being who may carry the wounds into adulthood, or conversely, could be positively influenced by a simple gesture of inclusion.

The "Zehu K' Etzli" campaign involves various government ministries, local authorities, parent organizations, student councils, civil society groups, and businesses, alongside celebrity and influencer participation.