Mendy Cahan (NL/IL; Yiddish language)

grew up surrounded by the living vibrancy of Yiddish in the traditional-yet-cosmopolitan Jewish community of Antwerp, which today is still home to some 17 different hasidic communities. He has degrees in Philosophy and in Yiddish literature from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. He is founder and director of “YUNG YiDiSH” in Israel, an NGO dedicated to the transmission and collection of Yiddish creativity since 1990.  

Mendy is a Yiddish performer and singer with “Yiddish Express” and other constellations. He is an actor and Yiddish advisor at “The Gesher Theatre” in Tel Aviv. He was Yiddish dialogue coach and actor in the Oscar Award-winning film “Son of Saul” and has recently appeared in Yiddish roles on Netflix and Israeli series and films.

Mendy Cahan received a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022 for his dedication to Yiddish, given by Israeli President Herzog.

https://www.facebook.com/yiddish.telaviv








Photo: Joshua Dolgin