Veteran Israeli Broadcaster Menashe Raz Dies at 80

Menashe Raz, a prominent Israeli journalist, broadcaster, announcer, and director, has passed away at the age of 80. Born in Gedera in 1946, Raz began his media career in the IDF's Galei Tzahal radio station as a military correspondent, editor, and announcer.

After completing his university studies, Raz joined Kol Yisrael radio, where he was the first host and presenter of the popular program "Shirim Ve'Sha'arim" (Songs and Goals). In 1972, he moved to the Israel Broadcasting Authority (Channel 1), holding numerous key positions including editor and anchor of "Mabat La'Hadoshoth" (News Review), political and military correspondent, and host of "Meselet Itonaim" (Press Conference) and "Mis'chak HaShabat" (Saturday Game).

Beyond his current affairs work, Raz produced dozens of documentary films. In 1979, he received the Kinor David award for a documentary series he directed about the conditions in Israeli prisons, which led to the establishment of the Kenesset committee to investigate incarceration issues. He also taught cinema and communication at various academic institutions, including Tel Aviv University, Sapir College, and The College of Management.

Following his retirement from the Broadcasting Authority in 1999, Raz served as spokesperson for the Center Party, CEO of the Shrober Foundation, and communications director for Imagesat. He returned to journalism in 2003 as a host and correspondent for Channel 10. His daughter, Maya Raz, is married to actor Mark Ivanir.