Jean Judes is Executive Director of Beit Issie Shapiro and Nik Rabinowitz. South African comedian, Nik Rabinowitz, known as Africa’s funniest Jew, flew into Israel for 24 hours to perform a fund-raising show for Beit Issie Shapiro, bringing laughter into the lives of people with disabilities and their families. Nik was a hit with the audience and the evening was a great success. children with disabilities.
children with disabilities
South African comedian, Nik Rabinowitz, known as Africa’s funniest Jew, flew into Israel for 24 hours to perform a fund-raising show for Beit Issie Shapiro, bringing laughter into the lives of people with disabilities and their families. Nik was a hit with the audience and the evening was a great success.
“What a treat for us to have had Africa’s Funniest Jew, Nik Rabinowitz, perform a one night only show for Beit Issie Shapiro here in Israel,” says Andi Saitowitz, Campaign Director at Beit Issie Shapiro. “With a sold-out event, we are very proud to share significant core values with Nik; values of bringing laughter, smiles and joy to so many lives.”
“I have been looking forward to doing something in support of the children and families who benefit from the extraordinary service Beit Issie provides,” says Nik. “And to perform for some of my fellow South Africans, many of whom moved to Israel to feel safe… Ha Ha!”
Capetonian Nik has been performing to sold-out venues in his home country for years with his one-mans shows. He has performed internationally, most recently in London, New York and Toronto. He is also the host of The Week That Wasn’t, a satirical news show that has a listenership of hundreds of thousands on South Africa’s most popular talk radio station, 702.
80,000 NIS was raised and all proceeds from the show will go towards Beit Issie Shapiro, Israel’s leading organisation that develops and provides innovative therapies and services for children with disabilities and their families. It also works to promote the inclusion of people with disabilities in society. The organisation was founded by Naomi Stuchiner. Naomi’s father, South African Issie Shapiro, founded the Selwyn Segal Society in Johannesburg and had a vision to found an organisation based on that model, but within the community in Israel.
To this day, Beit Issie Shapiro has exceptionally strong ties with South African organisations, such as Children’s Memorial Institute CMI in Johannesburg, Selwyn Segal Society, Chevra Kadisha, Wits University, Astra Jewish Sheltered Employment, Shonaquip / Uhambo Foundation and Glendale Home.
children with disabilities
