Kanal 13 Director Itzik Barashi Dies in Cycling Accident

Itzik Barashi, a respected director at the Kan News division, died Saturday morning in a cycling accident on Highway 44 near the Nesherim interchange. Barashi, 54, was riding his bicycle when he was struck by a vehicle. He was critically injured and evacuated to Shamir-Assaf Harofeh Medical Center, where doctors pronounced him dead.

The driver, a man in his 40s from central Israel, was detained for questioning and subsequently released to five days of house arrest. An MDA paramedic described finding the cyclist unconscious with a severe head injury, providing him with initial medical treatment before transporting him to the hospital.

Kan News management eulogized Barashi, stating, "Kan News mourns the death of our colleague. Barashi, one of Kan News's most professional and talented directors, joined the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation almost from its inception in 2018. Since then, he has accompanied our broadcasts with professionalism and commitment, in routine and in war." They extended condolences to his wife, Shirley, his children, and his family and colleagues.

Kan 11 presenters Uri Levi and Sharon Wochsler also paid tribute to Barashi. Levi noted that Barashi was scheduled to direct their program that day, expressing the difficulty of processing the news of his death. Wochsler recalled their weekly conversations about his cycling routes and experiences, remembering him as a "charming, warm-hearted guy" and an excellent professional.

Journalist Ayelet Hasson also posted a Facebook tribute, calling Barashi a "beloved director" and a "family man, devoted father, excellent professional, and most importantly, a good person, a friend." She expressed her deep sorrow and stated he would be greatly missed.