Estherina Tartman, Former MK and Channel 14 Analyst, Dies at 68

Estherina Tartman, a former Member of Knesset and a political analyst for Channel 14, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 68. She had been battling an illness in recent times. Tartman served in the 16th and 17th Knessets, representing the Yisrael Beiteinu party, and held positions including chairwoman of the Yisrael Beiteinu faction and acting chairwoman of the State Comptroller Committee.

During her life, Tartman faced significant health challenges. In the mid-1990s, she battled cancer, from which she recovered. In January 1997, she was severely injured in a car accident that left her with 52% disability and confined her to bed for about a year. A subsequent ruling by an occupational physician stated she should work no more than four hours a day, leading her to leave her job.

Tartman was known for her strong stance against terrorism and her opposition to what she termed "weakness" and "capitulation" towards Palestinians. She had previously expressed concerns about Israeli Arabs posing a demographic threat to Israel, stating, "We need to eradicate the evil plague from among us" upon the appointment of Raleb Majadele as a minister in the 31st government.

Channel 14's "Midday Journal" anchor, Ido Tauber, paid tribute to Tartman during a broadcast, remembering her "special voice" on the panel, her political experience, unique insights, and life wisdom. Tartman is survived by her four children with her husband, Amos Tartman, a co-founder of the settlement of Ma'ale Adumim. She will be laid to rest on Wednesday at 4:00 PM at the Har HaMenuchot cemetery in Jerusalem.