Kanal 13 News Director Yitzhak Barashi Dies in Cycling Accident

Yitzhak Barashi, a 54-year-old director at Kan News, died Thursday after a serious cycling accident on Highway 44 near the Nesherim interchange. Barashi sustained a severe head injury during the ride and was evacuated by intensive care to Shamir-Assaf Harofeh Medical Center, where his death was later pronounced. The report of the accident was received by Magen David Adom at 8:02 AM.

Paramedics who arrived at the scene found Barashi unconscious and suffering from a severe head wound. They provided him with medical treatment, including assistance with ventilation, bandaging, 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, describing him as one of the division's most professional and talented directors, who accompanied broadcasts through routine and wartime.

A friend who was cycling with Barashi at the time of the accident recounted on Facebook that they had embarked on their usual Saturday group ride. He described the ride as wonderful until a break, after which they continued for about three hours. "My dear Yitzhak, you were a model friend, a true friend. It's hard to grasp that a ride that began like every Saturday ended with a farewell to you," he wrote.

Journalist Ayelet Hasson also eulogized Barashi, noting 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 details are to be announced later. Since the beginning of the year, 323 people have died in road accidents in Israel.