Legendary Knesset Stenographer Osnat Dagani Dies at 100

Osnat Dagani, the Knesset's legendary stenographer who documented Israel's early history for over 42 years, passed away at the age of 100. She was laid to rest in the cemetery in Afula, where she grew up.

Dagani began her career in the Knesset on May 16, 1948, just days after the state's establishment, and served until December 31, 1990. During her tenure, she witnessed and recorded pivotal moments in Israeli history. Among her most memorable experiences were Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion's 1960 announcement of Adolf Eichmann's capture and the historic visit of Egyptian President Anwar Sadat.

Born in Haifa, Dagani moved with her family to the Jezreel Valley and later to Afula. Her father, Kalman Weissilshky, was a well-respected educator and geographer in Afula. Dagani never married and was described by a family friend as a "second aunt" who maintained close ties with her childhood community.

Despite moving to Tel Aviv for work when the Knesset was based there, she remained fond of Afula and had a reserved burial plot next to her parents. She was known for her positive outlook and sharp memory, celebrating her 100th birthday with friends.

Dagani was privy to some of Israel's most sensitive secrets, attending meetings with key leaders like Ben-Gurion, Moshe Sharett, Chaim Weizmann, Abba Eban, Golda Meir, Pinchas Sapir, Zalman Shazar, Yosef Burg, and Ezer Weizman. She particularly enjoyed recording the words of Levi Eshkol. The mayor of Afula, Avi Elkabetz, eulogized her as a "model woman" who closely documented the nation's leaders for decades.