Yisrael Poliakov
Yisrael Poliakov, often called Poli, was an Israeli comedian and actor. He was born on July 7, 1941, in Jerusalem and grew up in Tel Aviv. He initially studied farming but was spotted at a school party by the Nahal Brigade’s entertainment troupe and soon joined show business. He later became one of the three members of HaGashash HaHiver, Israel’s famous comedy group, with Shaike Levi and Gavriel Banai. Their humor about Israeli life helped shape the country’s culture and even created a popular language style, Gashashit.
Poliakov acted in many Israeli films, including The Hit (Schlager) in 1979, Halfon Hill Doesn’t Answer in 1975, and The House Committee in 1986. He also appeared on television and later produced and acted in his daughter Yael Poliakov’s show Hakol Dvash (Everything is Honey). From 2000 onward, he took on stage roles in productions such as The Israeli Family and Mother Courage and Her Children.
In 2000, HaGashash HaHiver received the Israel Prize for lifetime achievement and special contribution to society, recognizing how their humor reflected and helped shape Israeli culture. Poliakov died of liver cancer on October 30, 2007, at Beilinson Hospital in Petah Tikva after a period of heart problems. His public memorial was held at the Cameri Theater in Tel Aviv, and he was buried in Einat. He was married three times and had three children: two sons, Itamar and Ariel, and a daughter, Yael.
His father was Shlomo Poliakov, a footballer. Poliakov’s wives included Rina Ganor, then Riki Gal, and finally Shosh Mishal Poliakov, who remained his spouse until his death.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 05:59 (CET).