Israeli Actor Yehuda Levi Reveals Childhood Bullying Trauma

Acclaimed Israeli actor Yehuda Levi, 47, has publicly shared the profound impact of childhood bullying and ostracization he experienced as a child in South Africa. The confession came as part of a national campaign, "This is a Red Line," initiated by the President's Residence to combat bullying.

Levi explained that the memories resurfaced following the birth of his first child, Naya, six months ago, with his partner Dana Frider. He expressed his deep fear that his daughter might experience similar exclusion, stating, "The thought that someone could make that smile disappear, make her think she is less beautiful, less interesting, less worthy, or simply doesn't belong, terrifies me. Perhaps because I know that place."

Recounting his childhood, Levi described feeling like an outsider in South Africa. He found a sense of belonging in a group of friends in sixth grade, only to have them abruptly reject him at a birthday party. He recalled the moment vividly: "The boycott continued. They laughed at me, they distanced themselves from me, and I kept a poker face. As if I didn't care. But I did care. Everything went inside."

This isolation, he revealed, pushed him towards acting. He spent time watching movies and immersing himself in different characters, learning to adapt and read social cues, which eventually became his profession. The family's sudden departure from South Africa due to financial hardship meant Levi couldn't even say goodbye to his friends, leaving only a note.

Levi also extended an apology to people he may have hurt in his adult life, acknowledging that his past experiences might have led him to distance himself from those who became important to him as a defense mechanism. He concluded with a message to children involved in bullying, urging them to consider the lasting impact of their actions and the possibility of changing someone's story with a simple act of inclusion.