“Laughter is the best medicine.”
“Comedy for Koby” is a biannual standup comedy tour raising money for The Koby Mandell Foundation—healing those who have lost family to terrorism. The cross-country tour brings America’s top talents together to perform for Israeli audiences, with Los Angeles-based sabra Avi Liberman as its emcee.
During the second intifada, when Liberman heard that people weren’t going out because they were scared, nervous or just emotionally drained, he brought comedians in as a way of alleviating stress through laughter. As the venture grew, he recognized its potential to become a successful fundraiser. Today, it’s Israel’s most popular English comedy tour and serves as the primary source of funding for The Koby Mandell Foundation.
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What can audiences expect to see differently this time around?
Dena: With each new group of talented and professional comics, comes a brand new perspective. The December show will feature long-time comedic icons like Elayne Boosler and Allan Havey as well as Tom Cotter, who made his mark on America’s Got Talent.
What has been the show’s greatest challenge?
Dena: With a limited amount of time the comics can be away, we can only fit in so much. We love hearing about the demand for shows in new locales, but know that we can’t always respond. However, we are regularly seeking out new areas and look forward to reaching new audiences.
Who sponsors you?
Dena: We are very lucky to have a major donor without whom the tour wouldn’t be possible along with a growing community of local donors whose support covers expenses so that all proceeds go to the foundation and the bereaved children at Camp Koby.
Donate today at http://www.kobymandell.org/
Dec 6-12. NIS 120. Beit Shemesh, Gush Etzion, Jerusalem, Raanana, Modiin, Tel Aviv (http://www.comedyforkoby.com/)