Rivka Michaeli Reflects on a Year of Joy, Loss, and Activism

Veteran Israeli actress and entertainer Rivka Michaeli, 88, is celebrating a busy and eventful year. She recently received a knighthood from the Movement for Quality of Government in Israel, though she missed the ceremony due to a performance at the Cameri Theater. Michaeli also attended her granddaughter's wedding in Boulder, Colorado, describing it as a "truly uplifting experience" filled with love and joy.

Despite the personal joys, 2023-2024 has also been marked by significant loss for Michaeli, with the passing of many friends and colleagues, including Haim Yavin, Shoshik Shani, Ilan Dar, and Miriam Etzioni. She spoke about the difficulty of these losses, noting that she is frequently asked to eulogize people. Michaeli also shared a humorous anecdote about being asked to speak about Brigitte Bardot, only to realize the request was mistaken.

Michaeli, who began her career at age 11, has had a prolific seven-decade career in Israeli entertainment, including iconic shows like "Nikui Rosh" and "Siba Le'Mesiha," theater, film, and children's programming. She recently starred in Amos Gutman's "Hesed Mofla" and Dana Modan's "HaNiches," and is set to take a leading role in the upcoming Cameri Theater play "Shalom Bayit."

A vocal critic of the Israeli government and its policies, Michaeli expressed her strong opinions on the current situation, stating, "It's a horror, a horror. These atrocities are homegrown, even on Shabbat." She is a member of the advisory board for B'Tselem and believes it is crucial to acknowledge the reality of the situation, stating, "I force myself to know where I live."

Michaeli also discussed the widespread emigration of Israelis, including her own children and grandchildren living abroad. She expressed sadness over missing out on much of her grandchildren's lives and the feeling of abandonment some Israelis experience. Despite the challenges, she remains hopeful for the country's future, wishing for its physical and metaphorical rehabilitation, though acknowledging it may take years.