This document summarizes a play called "One of a Kind" that tells the story of Ethiopian Jews' struggle for identity and incredible journey of walking 500 miles to Sudan to reach the holy land in Israel. It was co-written by Yossi Vassa, an Ethiopian comedian, who lost family members on the journey. The author helped produce the play, which was a success in Israel and later toured the US, including a stop on Broadway. The play had a profound impact on shaping the identity of Ethiopian teenagers in Israel.

1. One Of A Kind
How I helped shed light on the
amazing journey of Ethiopian
Jews to Israel

2. My Brother And I
My older brother Shai and I are very different.
He’s a creative artist with a wild imagination who
thrives on spontaneity. I’m a structured thinker
and detailed planner.
In 2005, Shai co-wrote a play called One of a Kind
and asked me to be its production manager.
This was a unique opportunity
to collaborate and build on each other’s strengths.

3. The Ethiopian Jewish Community Story
The play tells the story of the Ethiopian Jews. It
captures their struggle for identity, their
incredible journey – walking 500 miles to Sudan
– and the sacrifices they made to get to the
holy land
This is told through the personal story of Yossi
Vassa, the play’s co-author and lead actor, who
lost his brother and grandmother in the journey.
Yossi is an energetic, talented comedian. His
extraordinary passion to share this story and to
bring the Ethiopian community closer to the rest
of Israeli society inspired my dedication to this
project.

4. Learning Theater Production
This was my first experience with theater
production.
An overwhelming number of pieces had to fit
together seamlessly to bring this story to life. My
challenge was to direct the collaboration of a
variety of professionals – costume and set
designers, animators, musicians, and technical
specialists.
This experience was a great lesson in project
management. I learned how to tailor my
communication style to meet different
individuals’ needs and how to drive a complex
production to success.

5. The Play Unveils
Our play was an overnight success; Yossi’s story
instantly touched people in Israel. It won five
awards, including Best Play and Audience Choice
honors at the 2005 International Haifa Theater
Festival. It later earned four awards from Israel’s
Ministry of Education.
This success led to our US tour, including a stop on
Broadway. In a glowing New York Times review,
Andy Webster praised the play as “infused with
childlike vigor, wonder and humor, spiced with
exuberant African music and dance.”
A few years later, while I was volunteering at the
Bridge to the Youth foundation, an Ethiopian
teenager told me how inspirational this play was to
him, and how it shaped his identity as an Ethiopian
in Israel.

6. Thank you!