Ephraim Kishon

Ephraim Kishon
Official Medal, 2005/5765

Ephraim Kishon, Israeli satirist, dramatist, screenwriter and director, was known and loved for his lighthearted look at Israeli life. Born in Budapest in 1924, his talent was apparent from an early age when he won a writing prize while still in high school. Imprisoned by the Nazis in several concentration camps, he escaped while being transported to Sobibor in Poland. His immediate family survived the war although many other family members perished in Auschwitz. After completing art studies in Hungary, he emigrated to Israel in 1949 and within a remarkably short time mastered Hebrew, although he never succeeded in ridding himself of his heavy Hungarian accent! After only 2 years in the country he began to write a regular satirical column called “Had Gadya”, in the Israeli press, a column he continued for 30 years. This was followed by books, plays, and screenplays; many of his movies he directed and produced himself. Kishon’s books have been translated into many languages and his plays and sketches performed in many countries. His humor, it appears, is universal! In 2002 Ephraim Kishon was awarded the Israel Prize for Lifetime Achievement. He died in January 2005.
We thank MK Yosef (Tommy) Lapid and Ephraim Kishon’s three children for their assistance in the issuance of this medal. Special acknowledgement to the family of Zeev Farkash.

Obverse: A picture of Ephraim Kishon and his signature in Hebrew and English.

Reverse: The caricature of Kishon by Zeev Farkash that became the logo of "Had Gadya"; in the background a list of some of Kishon's works.

Designer: Gabi Neumann