Kanal 13 News Director Yitzhak Barashi Dies in Cycling Accident

Yitzhak Barashi, a 54-year-old director at Kan News, died Saturday morning following a serious cycling accident on Highway 44 near the Nesherim interchange. Barashi sustained a severe head injury during the ride and was evacuated by Magen David Adom to Shamir-Assaf Harofeh Medical Center, where his death was later pronounced. The report of the accident was received by MDA at 8:02 AM. Paramedics found Barashi unconscious and provided him with medical treatment, including ventilation and medication, before transporting him to the hospital in critical condition.

Barashi joined the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation in 2018, shortly after its establishment, and served as a director in the news division. Kan News eulogized him as one of the division's most professional and talented directors, who covered both routine news and wartime events. "Kan News mourns the death of our colleague, Yitzhak Barashi," the corporation stated.

A friend who was cycling with Barashi at the time of the accident described him as an exemplary and true friend. He recounted that they had embarked on their usual Saturday group ride, stopping for a break before continuing for another three hours. "We rode together, everything was wonderful, and we reached the finish line," the friend wrote on Facebook. "Dear Yitzhak, you were an exemplary friend, a true friend. It's hard to grasp that a ride that began like every Saturday ended with a farewell to you."

Journalist Ayelet Hasson also paid tribute to Barashi, noting that he was scheduled to work with her on that evening's broadcast. Barashi is survived by his wife, Shirley, and their three children: Keran, Roi, and Itai. Funeral arrangements will be announced later. So far this year, 323 people have died in road accidents in Israel.