Longtime Knesset Stenographer Who Documented Historic Moments Dies at 100

Osnat Dagani, who served as a stenographer for the Knesset for 42 years, documenting proceedings from the state's early days, passed away at the age of 100 years and nine months. Dagani began her career on May 16, 1948, shortly after Israel's establishment, and continued until December 31, 1990.

During her tenure, she meticulously recorded the speeches of prime ministers, ministers, and Knesset members, witnessing numerous pivotal historical events within the parliament. Among the most memorable moments she documented was Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion's May 23, 1960, announcement of Adolf Eichmann's capture in Argentina and his subsequent trial in Israel. Dagani recalled the profound silence that fell over the plenum after Ben-Gurion declared, "Eichmann is in our hands," describing it as an "extremely dramatic moment."

Another significant event she witnessed was the arrival of Egyptian President Anwar Sadat, an occasion she described as very moving, adding that many such emotional events occurred during her service. Last year, Dagani revisited the Knesset for the inauguration of the Knesset Museum, sitting in her restored original seat in the plenum.

Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana eulogized Dagani, stating she was an "integral part of the story of the Knesset and the story of the State of Israel." He added, "For decades, she sat in the plenum hall and meticulously documented the words from which our history was written." Ohana remembered her as a "modest, sharp woman full of memories, whose professional life is intertwined with the formative moments of Israeli democracy," concluding that the Knesset honors her memory and long contribution.