Shlomo Baraba Departs Israeli Sketch Show 'Zehu Ze'

Actor Shlomo Baraba will not be returning for the new season of the popular Israeli entertainment program "Zehu Ze" on Kan 11. Baraba, who was among the show's original presenters and rejoined for a reunion in 2020, has concluded his participation.

Kan 11 confirmed the departure, stating, "We all love and greatly support Baraba, and wish him much success in his future projects. We parted with him sadly after many years of working together, and are sure we will meet again in future productions." The broadcaster added that the program will continue to feature new talent, "As in the previous season of Zehu Ze, also in this season, we will continue to refresh the program with additional talented actors, and we are all full of energy for the new season. We love Baraba very much and wish him success from the bottom of our hearts."

Baraba was one of the show's first three hosts, alongside Muni Moshonuv and Dilik Volinitz, when "Zehu Ze" premiered on the Educational Television in July 1978 as a youth entertainment magazine. One of his most memorable characters was Yatzek.

In March 2020, Baraba and his colleagues reunited for a new iteration of "Zehu Ze" on Kan 11, airing 22 years after the show originally ended. This reunion continued for subsequent seasons, featuring both new sketches and updated renditions of Israeli songs. In the summer of 2023, a stage show based on the program's songs and sketches was also launched. Reflecting on "Zehu Ze" and their joint show in a 2023 interview, Baraba described it as "the greatest gift we received," adding that in a time of division, it "unites and appeases." He called it "a privilege, it's exciting and unlike anything we've done, and we are eagerly awaiting it."