An Israeli cultural icon dies
Actor Yisrael (Poli) Poliakov, member of Hagashash Hahiver comedy group, passes away at hospital at age of 66 after suffering severe heart attack
Actor Yisrael (Poli) Poliakov died Monday night at the Bielinson Hospital in Petah Tikva at the age of 66.
During his last hours, Poli's family members were by his side. Poli was hospitalized two weeks ago after suffering a heart attack. His funeral will be held Wednesday afternoon at the cemetery in Kibbutz Einat.
Poli was survived by his wife and three children, one of whom is actress and screenwriter Yael Poliakov.
Poli, who is most known for his years with the Hagashash Hahiver (or "Hagashashim") comedy group, recently appeared in the hit TV series "All's Good," which was based on the Poliakovs' family life and written by his daughter Yael.
Poli with daughter, Yael (Photo: Anat Mosberg)
Poli was born in Jerusalem and grew up in Tel Aviv. His acting talent was evident early on and during one of the high school productions he participated in, he was noticed by members of the "Nachal Band" - the famous military music troupe.
Poli enlisted to the IDF and joined he band where he met his longtime friend and colleague, Gavriel (Gavri) Banai.
HaGashashim: Poli (R), Shaike (C), and Gavri (L) (Photo: Michael Kramer)
After his discharge from the army, Poli and Gavri joined the Hatarnegolim ("the roosters") band, where they met Shaike Levi and the famous Hagashashim trio was established.
The trio put on many comedy shows, consisting of music and skits which became classics in their own right ("The Drafted Car", "The Judge and the Referee", "Kreker vs Kreker", etc.) and contributed numerous quotes to modern spoken Hebrew. They also starred in comedies which became major hits, such as Givat Halfon Eina Ona.
In 2000, Poli and his two "Gashashim" friends were awarded the Israel Prize for Lifetime Achievement in the Arts.
