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Shira Haas

(1995 - )

Shira Haas is an acclaimed Israeli actress with compelling performances that garnered international recognition. Haas’s Israeli and Jewish identity profoundly influences her work. Her upbringing and cultural roots are reflected in the themes she explores, including identity, resilience, and community, making her a significant figure in Israeli cinema and beyond.

At the age of two, Haas was diagnosed with kidney cancer, a battle that shaped her understanding of life’s fragility and the strength of the human spirit. This experience has informed her emotional depth as an actress, allowing her to connect with characters facing hardship and personal growth. Haas’s journey into acting began in her early teens, and she quickly gained recognition in Israeli theater and television.

Breakthrough and International Success

Haas’s international breakthrough came with her portrayal of Esty in the Netflix series Unorthodox (2020). The series follows a young woman escaping her ultra-Orthodox Jewish community in Brooklyn. Haas’s performance, marked by vulnerability and emotional intensity, earned her a Primetime Emmy nomination, making her the first Israeli actress to receive such an honor. Critics praised her ability to convey complex emotions through minimal dialogue, a hallmark of her acting style.

Before Unorthodox, Haas was known in Israel for her roles in the acclaimed TV series Shtisel and and the film Broken Mirrors. These projects showcased her ability to navigate complex emotional landscapes, often drawing from her personal experiences to add authenticity to her roles.

In 2020, Haas starred in Asia, playing a terminally ill daughter struggling with her relationship with her mother. Her portrayal won her Best Actress at the Tribeca Film Festival and the Ophir Award for Best Supporting Actress. Critics lauded her ability to convey deep emotions subtly, solidifying her reputation as one of Israel’s finest talents.

In 2022, Shira Haas was cast as Sabra, an Israeli superhero in Marvel’s Captain America: Brave New World, introduced initially as a Jewish Israeli Mossad agent in 1980. Sabra’s inclusion sparked controversy over the portrayal of a Mossad agent, with concerns about political implications, particularly regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Early reports that Marvel might change her background to Russian intelligence prompted a backlash. Marvel later confirmed Sabra would retain her Israeli identity, a decision praised by Jewish groups like the American Jewish Committee and the Anti-Defamation League. The controversy underscores the complexities of cultural representation and political sensitivity for Israeli actors like Haas.

Acting Style and Approach

Haas is known for her immersive and emotionally rich performances. Her minimalist approach often relies on non-verbal communication, allowing her to express complex feelings with a look or gesture. For her role in Asia, Haas undertook meticulous research, meeting with medical professionals to accurately portray a young woman facing a terminal illness.

Her dedication to authenticity is equally evident in her portrayal of Esty in Unorthodox, where she immersed herself in the culture of the ultra-Orthodox community to ensure a respectful and accurate performance. Haas’s commitment to profoundly understanding her characters is a defining aspect of her acting style.

Personal Connection to Jewish Identity

Haas’s connection to her Jewish heritage is central to her personal and professional life. She often reflects on how growing up in Israel, surrounded by Jewish traditions, shaped her identity and approach to acting. Despite her growing international fame, Haas remains deeply connected to her Israeli roots, regularly returning to Israel and celebrating Shabbat with her family.

Legacy and Impact

Shira Haas has broken new ground in Israeli cinema and has become a global ambassador for Israeli stories. Her performances have introduced international audiences to the complexities of Jewish and Israeli life, and her ability to tackle themes of resilience and identity makes her a standout talent in contemporary cinema.

As she continues to take on challenging roles, Haas’s work bridges local and global narratives, contributing to broader conversations about identity and representation in film. Her impact on Israeli and international cinema is undeniable, and her career inspires and captivates audiences worldwide.


Sources: Jude Dry, “‘Unorthodox’: How Shira Haas Crafted Her Riveting Performance in the Netflix Drama,” IndieWire, (April 4, 2020).
Rolien Zonneveld, “Unorthodox’s Shira Haas: “I’ve been working towards this for eight years,”” i-D, (July 2, 2020). 
Ayelet Raymond, “‘Asia’ Star Shira Haas on Portraying Terminal Illness: ‘I’m Not an Easy Crier in Real Life’ (Guest Interview),” TheWrap, (June 11, 2021). 
Shiryn Ghermezian, “Israeli Actress Shira Haas: My Childhood Battle With Cancer ‘Shaped Me Into Who I Am’,” Algemeiner, (August 2, 2021).
“Mazel tov! Sabra will maintain Israeli identity in ‘Captain America: Brave New World’- report,” Jerusalem Post, (July 21, 2024).

Photo: Sherban Lupu, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.