Veteran Israeli Broadcaster Menashe Raz Dies at 80

Menashe Raz, a veteran Israeli broadcaster and documentary filmmaker, has passed away at the age of 80. Raz had a long and varied career in Israeli media, beginning during his university studies with a voice actor course at Kol Israel, the national public radio broadcaster.

He served as a military correspondent, editor, and presenter at Galei Tzahal (Army Radio) before joining Kol Israel, where he hosted numerous programs, including news editions and music shows. He was the first host of the iconic radio program "Shirim Ve'sha'arim" (Songs and Goals).

In 1972, Raz moved to Channel 1, the national television broadcaster, working as a news reporter and documentary filmmaker. In 1979, he received the "Kinor David" (David's Violin) award for Best Documentary Film of the Year for a series he created about the state of Israeli prisons, which led to the establishment of the "Kana Committee." He also served as editor and anchor for "Mabat L'Chadashot" (News Look) and covered politics and military affairs.

After retiring from public broadcasting in 1999, Raz entered politics, heading the communications and spokesperson unit for the Center Party ahead of the Knesset elections. He later worked as a communications manager for a subsidiary of Israel Aerospace Industries. He returned to journalism in 2003 as a presenter and reporter for Channel 10 News. In 2011, he rejoined politics with the Kadima party, intending to run for the Knesset.

In 2017, Raz sparked controversy with a Facebook post criticizing the Independence Day torch-lighting ceremony. He wrote, "On Mount Herzl in Jerusalem, some Jews of Sephardic origin, with the power of political activism, have established their spiritual, religious, and political identity... We hereby declare the establishment of the new Kingdom of Morocco in the Land of Israel. Applause!!!"

Raz is survived by his two daughters and a son, and grandchildren.