Veteran Israeli Journalist Shlomi Eldar Reveals Bladder Cancer Battle
Translated & summarized from Ice by baba
Veteran Israeli journalist Shlomi Eldar, 69, has revealed he is undergoing treatment for bladder cancer after surgery to remove a tumor at Assuta Ashdod Hospital. Eldar, known for his reporting on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, watched his own surgery and described the experience. He is recovering at home and plans to return to work soon, despite a recent controversy over an investigative report he co-authored.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Veteran journalist Shlomi Eldar, 69, is battling bladder cancer and recently underwent surgery.
- Eldar watched his own surgery and described seeing doctors remove cancerous cells.
- He was diagnosed after experiencing blood in his urine and facing a long wait for a specialist.
- Eldar plans to return to work soon, despite medical advice to rest.
- He was recently involved in a controversy over a report about warnings before October 7th.
Veteran Israeli journalist and documentary filmmaker Shlomi Eldar, 69, known for his decades of reporting on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, has revealed he is undergoing treatment for bladder cancer. Eldar, who previously served as a correspondent and commentator on Palestinian affairs for television networks and currently writes for the Haaretz newspaper, underwent surgery last week at Assuta Ashdod Public Hospital to remove a tumor. He is currently recovering at home and expressed optimism about his condition.
The diagnosis followed a period of concern that began about six months ago when Eldar noticed blood in his urine while living in Tel Aviv. An initial urine test at his health fund showed no abnormalities. The bleeding recurred with greater intensity after he returned to his home in Ness Ziona, prompting his family doctor to refer him to a urologist. Eldar reported facing a significant waiting period of about a month and a half to see the specialist.
The urologist ordered a CT scan and a cystoscopy, which revealed the cancerous tumor. Eldar underwent surgery the following day at Assuta Ashdod. Notably, Eldar requested to remain conscious during the procedure, watching the surgery on a monitor. He described the experience, stating, "I saw how they peeled off the cancerous cells." He also requested that Van Morrison songs be played during the operation, including a song he had previously dedicated to an ex-lover.
Eldar shared news of his surgery on Facebook, primarily to thank the medical staff, rather than to publicize his illness. He avoided posting on X (formerly Twitter) due to concerns about hostile reactions and death wishes, though he continues to use the platform for his journalistic work and debates. He is reportedly recovering well and has already returned home and driven himself after his catheter was removed.
Bladder cancer is a common cancer among men, with risk increasing with age. The median age for diagnosis in the U.S. is 73, with most cases diagnosed after 55. Blood in the urine is a primary symptom. Smoking is a major risk factor, along with exposure to certain chemicals. Five-year survival rates vary significantly based on the stage of the cancer, from approximately 98% for localized tumors to about 10% for distant metastases.
Eldar was recently involved in public controversy over an investigative report he co-authored with journalist Ruti Yuval concerning a warning allegedly given to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu before the October 7th attack. Despite his health battle, Eldar intends to return to work as soon as possible, even though he was advised to rest for two weeks.
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