Israeli Comedian Adi Ashkenazi Returns to Stage with Widow of Fallen Golani Commander

Israeli comedian Adi Ashkenazi, known for her sharp humor, faced a profound personal and national crisis after the October 7 attacks, which left her doubting her ability to perform comedy. Nearly three years later, she has returned to the stage, sharing a unique stand-up show with Ashira Greenberg, widow of Lieutenant Colonel Tomer Greenberg, the revered Golani Brigade commander killed in Gaza in December 2023. Ashira, who was left to raise their then four-year-old daughter Arbel alone, joined Ashkenazi in a performance that blends humor with grief, aiming to break the taboo around mourning and laughter.

Behind the scenes, the two women expressed their nervousness and determination to connect with audiences, many of whom included members of Tomer Greenberg’s family. Ashira shared personal anecdotes, including a darkly humorous story about leaving a box of razor blades on Tomer’s grave with the inscription "Soldier, break a leg," reflecting their shared sense of humor. Ashkenazi acknowledged the emotional difficulty of the performance, noting that humor often carries pain and that she sometimes cries on stage.

The show also addressed the societal discomfort around widowhood and grief, with Ashira explaining how humor helps her cope and communicate what is otherwise difficult to express. Ashkenazi, who has been active in public discourse since the attacks, described her own struggle with depression and the challenge of finding laughter amid ongoing national tragedy. She credited spiritual guidance for encouraging her return to comedy as a form of communal healing.

Ashira and her family have dedicated themselves to preserving Tomer Greenberg’s legacy, including establishing a hiking trail in his memory. Despite the immense loss and personal transformation, Ashira emphasized resilience and the importance of finding moments of joy alongside sorrow. The joint performance serves as both a tribute and a testament to the power of humor to foster connection and hope in the face of grief.