Israeli Comic Sensation Sponder Atlanta Bound

Social media sensation Yohay Sponder has gone viral with his charming and unapologetic comments on Jews in general, Israeli Jews specifically, and overall audience interaction on topics ranging from political correctness (or not), Muslims, women, terrorists, gays, and the Holocaust — many things people are feeling, but stand back from expressing. He’s very unassuming and his comments are not laced with malice, though sometimes an “F” bomb slips out.

The energy behind his stop here is Moran Avidan, an IT professional, who has formed “Show In Motion,” where her passion translates into bringing joy, culture, and laughter to the Jewish community. In her efforts to attract Sponder, she said, “After Oct. 7, I realized laughter would bring us together.”

She spearheaded a series of cultural and entertainment events here during September, starting with a Jewish tech and entrepreneurship party, followed by Zvi Yehezkelion’s lecture (Hebrew), and Guri Alfi’s performance (Hebrew), now Sponder’s show (English) on Sept. 28. She stated, “That is what will set up my mission: to turn Atlanta into a hub for Jewish culture and comedy. Sponder’s show feels like home, and I can’t wait to share it with everyone.”

Get The AJT Newsletter by email and never miss our top stories Free Sign Up

Part of Sponder’s shtick is his word mish mash translating from Hebrew to English and his easy unscripted explanations. Avidan continued, “In my tech role, I found myself on stage, giving innovation lectures, participating in panels, and standing in front of rooms filled with C-level executives, investors, and clients … trying to pass my point through a thick accent and the cultural gap. That’s when I discovered something powerful: laughter. Humor became my bridge, the way I broke down walls and made people feel comfortable and engaged.”

As a burgeoning comedian herself, Moran opened for Rotem Abuhav, Israeli comedian, and took a leap. She stood on stage with her most personal material and was lauded as funny.

Sabra Moran Avidan arranged Sponder’s appearance in coordination with her mission to unite through laughter.

Cheryl Feingold Dorschinsky, executive director of the Atlanta Israel Coalition added, “The fact that we are supporting someone from Israel right now is a bonus, given the constant boycotts [of Israel] we constantly see in the media. I absolutely can’t wait to see him here. He’s my favorite comedian.”

Dorchinsky initially reached out on the Facebook group, Jewish Women of Atlanta, to locate a venue, which will only be released after ticket purchases. Since it’s on Saturday night, showtime is 9 p.m.

To purchase tickets, please visit www.sponder-standup.com/sept-2024-tour/ 

Sponder cautions beware of scammers and only buy through authorized sites. Avidan concluded, “His exaggerated Israeli accent during his English shows always kills.”

Tune into the AJT interchange with Sponder:

Jaffe: Describe your childhood:
Sponder: I grew up in the Golan, my family owned an orchard, and we grew citrus fruit. I had a magical childhood, I was surrounded by good, loving people. As for the army, I had a meaningful service.

Jaffe: Were you funny as a child or the class clown?
Sponder: Yeah. I guess I was, my parents had a huge influence on me. Growing up, they were always very funny. I feel that as a comedian, our gift is to find the funny in everything, especially during sad times.

Jaffe: Has Oct. 7 changed your popularity in the U.S.?
Sponder: Since 2016, I have been producing “Funny Monday,” an Israeli standup show in English that, among other things, touches upon current events from an Israeli-Jewish point of view. Needless to say, after Oct. 7, our community came together and put the whole process “on steroids” so to speak; and as a result, my videos went viral. I can’t express in words what an honor it is to receive messages from Jews all over the world saying how my comedy has helped them through this rough time. Of course, if given the opportunity, I would give up all the fame in the world to take back what happened Oct. 7.

Jaffe: What really is your funniest bit that gets the most laughs reliably?
Sponder: “This I Can Do,” it is a bit that is part of my Special (releasing at the end of September) about political correctness in the States from my Israeli point of view.