Avri Gilad and Ilon Nofar Reconnect Amidst Presenter's Health Scare
Translated & summarized from Ice by baba
TV presenter Avri Gilad, recently diagnosed with facial paralysis, was visited by his former romantic partner Ilon Nofar. The two were photographed embracing, fueling rumors of a rekindled romance after 26 years of friendship. Gilad, who recently separated from his wife, has been open about his health struggles and dating life. Both Gilad and Nofar insist their current relationship is strictly platonic.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Avri Gilad, diagnosed with facial paralysis, was visited by former romantic partner Ilon Nofar.
- The pair, who had a romance 26 years ago, were photographed embracing, sparking romance rumors.
- Nofar cried upon hearing of Gilad's Bell's palsy diagnosis; Gilad joked about wanting his face back.
- Gilad recently separated from his second wife and has struggled to find new relationships.
- Both Gilad and Nofar deny current romantic involvement, emphasizing their long-standing friendship.
TV presenter Avri Gilad, who recently revealed he is suffering from facial paralysis, received a special visit from his close friend Ilon Nofar. Nofar, a co-founder of the "Mayumana" performance group, was romantically involved with Gilad 26 years ago. The two were photographed embracing on Gilad's couch, a moment that follows weeks of speculation about a rekindled romance between them. Nofar admitted she cried upon hearing about Gilad's condition, while Gilad, maintaining his characteristic humor despite the paralysis, quipped, "I want my face back home."
Gilad announced on Friday that he was diagnosed with Bell's palsy, a condition causing sudden facial muscle paralysis. He has been sharing his recovery process with his followers and has decided not to take time off from his television appearances, stating he doesn't have the energy to withdraw for a month. This visit from Nofar also comes against a backdrop of romantic speculation. Gilad announced his separation from his second wife, Neama Shohat, in December 2025 after 17 years together, including 13 years of marriage and two daughters. He recently shared that he had not found a new relationship since the separation and had unsuccessful attempts with dating apps.
The connection between Gilad and Nofar began approximately 26 years ago when Gilad interviewed the artist, then 27. Their brief romantic attempt evolved into a long-standing friendship. During their recent joint appearance on the show "The Winning Kitchen VIP," Nofar recounted how Gilad once climbed a tree to leave flowers on her balcony, though she was involved with someone else at the time. Other participants on the show, including Judy Nir Moses and judge Ruti Brodo, noted the special bond between Gilad and Nofar, with Moses suggesting Gilad was in love with Nofar. Both Gilad and Nofar have consistently denied any romantic involvement, insisting they are just friends who wish to remain so "forever."
Despite their denials, the recent embrace after 26 years of friendship, a past romantic attempt, and renewed rumors have reignited questions about their relationship. For now, both maintain that their connection is purely platonic.