Yeshayahu Goldstein-Ophir, commonly referred to as Shaike, was born on November 4, 1928, in the vibrant city of Jerusalem, Israel. His family, hailing from the Masortiim tradition, boasted a rich Ashkenazi Jewish heritage that traced its roots back to the mid-19th century. As a teenager, Shaike developed a passion for acting, and it was only natural that he would pursue this interest further. However, his academic pursuits were put on hold in the 1940s when he made the bold decision to leave school and join the Palmach, a prestigious paramilitary organization that played a pivotal role in the 1948 Arab-Israeli War.
During his time with the Palmach, Shaike played a crucial part in the war effort, taking on various responsibilities that showcased his bravery and resourcefulness. One of his most notable contributions was escorting convoys to the besieged city of Jerusalem, a task that required great skill, determination, and courage. In addition to his work on land, Shaike also saw action in naval battles, further demonstrating his versatility and adaptability in the face of adversity.
Following the conclusion of the war, Shaike's extraordinary comedic abilities and talents caught the attention of the Chezbatron, an esteemed army entertainment troupe, thus securing his position within the esteemed organization.
Throughout the 1950s, Shaike continued to solidify his status as a multifaceted performer, achieving immense success in various aspects of the entertainment industry.
Shaike's global recognition reached its zenith with his pivotal performance in the 1972 cinematic masterpiece "Ha-Shoter Azoulay", which subsequently garnered a prestigious Golden Globe Award for Best Foreign-Language Film and received a well-deserved Academy Award nomination, cementing his status as a household name.
Throughout his illustrious career, he also had the privilege of starring in a multitude of other films, including "Ervinka", a critically acclaimed drama, "Blaumilch Canal", a thought-provoking and visually stunning production, "The Fox in the Chicken Coop", a heartwarming and entertaining comedy, and "Daughters, Daughters", a poignant and emotional exploration of family dynamics.
Throughout the 1970s, Shaike's illustrious career in film and television continued to flourish, with notable appearances in "The Garden" alongside the talented Melanie Griffith, as well as a role in the action-packed "The Delta Force" starring the renowned Chuck Norris.
Meanwhile, his passion for the performing arts also led him to delve deeply into Israeli theater, where he excelled as a director, bringing his unique vision to the esteemed HaGashash HaHiver troupe. Moreover, his impressive acting skills were showcased in the stage adaptation of Janusz Korczak's timeless classic, "King Matt the First," which enjoyed a remarkable three-year run, cementing his status as a master of his craft.
Shaike's life was tragically curtailed due to a devastating diagnosis of lung cancer in the mid-1980s, a prognosis that ultimately proved to be fatal. On August 17, 1987, at the tender age of 58, Shaike's life came to a premature close. Throughout his life, Shaike was fortunate enough to have shared his love with two different partners, and together they had four precious children, including the talented actress Karin Ophir.
