Veteran Israeli Journalist and Filmmaker Menashe Raz Dies at 80

Menashe Raz, a veteran Israeli journalist, broadcaster, and documentary filmmaker, passed away on Thursday at the age of 80. Raz had a long career spanning decades in public broadcasting, working as a news reporter and documentary director for the Israel Broadcasting Authority.

In 1979, Raz received the Kinor David award for Best Documentary Film for a series he directed about the conditions in Israeli prisons. This series led to the establishment of the Kennet Committee to investigate the state of the country's correctional facilities.

The Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation (IPBC) mourned Raz's death, remembering him as a prominent figure in public broadcasting since the early 1970s. He joined Israeli television as a news reporter and documentary filmmaker and later held various roles in both television and radio. At Kol Israel (the former national radio broadcaster), he presented news bulletins, music programs, and was the first host of the show "Shirim Ve'Sha'arim" (Songs and Gates).

Born in 1946 in Gedera, Raz began his media career at Galei Tzahal (Army Radio) as a military correspondent, editor, and program host. After his military service, he studied political science and international relations at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem before joining Kol Israel. He later moved to Israeli television in late 1972, where he also served as an editor and anchor for the news program "Mabat" and hosted other shows.

Raz also had an academic career, lecturing in film and television at Tel Aviv University and other institutions. After retiring from the Broadcasting Authority in 1999, he managed the communications and spokesperson unit for the Center Party during an election campaign. He returned to journalism in 2003 as a host and reporter for Channel 10's news division and later served on several boards, including committees for the Israel Medical Association and the Council for Peace and Security.