Ethiopian Israeli Fights Racism With Laughter

Comedian Shlomo Shmuel's routines deal with the stereotyping Ethiopians encountered in their efforts to assimilate into Israeli society.

Shlomo Shmuel was born in Israel, but his family came to Israel in 1984 as part of the first wave of Ethiopian immigration to the Jewish state. Today, Shmuel is a stand-up comedian whose routines deal with the stereotyping and racism Ethiopians have encountered in their efforts to assimilate into Israeli society. Inspired by American television shows like “Family Matters” and the “Fresh Prince of Bel Air,” Shmuel hopes his material “opens doors” for a minority community that continues to suffer from marginalization.

Discover More

Balaam the Prophet

The infamous story of the prophet with the talking donkey demonstrates the Bible's awareness that powers of divination were not limited to Israelite seers.