Veteran Israeli Broadcaster Menashe Raz Dies at 80

Veteran Israeli journalist, director, and television personality Menashe Raz has passed away at the age of 80, concluding a career that spanned over four decades. Raz was a prominent figure in Israel's public broadcasting era, holding numerous roles in radio and television, including reporter, editor, anchor, and director.

Raz began his media career at Galei Tzahal (Army Radio), serving as a military correspondent, editor, and presenter. After his military service, he moved to Kol Yisrael (Voice of Israel), where he hosted news broadcasts and music programs. He was also the first host of the popular radio show "Shirim VeSha'arim" (Songs and Goals), which became closely associated with sports broadcasting.

Later, Raz joined Israel's Channel 1, taking on key positions such as military and political correspondent, editor, and anchor. He hosted the flagship news program "Mabat L'Chadashot" (News Glance) and was involved in the interview program "Mesibat Itonaim" (Press Conference). In addition to his on-air work, he directed documentaries, including a series about the Israeli prison system for which he won the Kinor David (Harp of David) award in 1979.

Raz remained associated with the early days of Israeli television and the peak of public broadcasting. In 2010, upon the conclusion of his work at the Israel Broadcasting Authority, then-Director General Moti Shklar described him as "a journalist with many merits." Beyond his media work, Raz also taught communication, cinema, and television to students, sharing his extensive experience from a four-decade career that significantly shaped Israeli broadcasting and culture.