Legendary Israeli TV Host Haim Yavin Dies at 93

Haim Yavin, a pioneering figure in Israeli television and recipient of the Israel Prize for communication in 1997, passed away at the age of 93. Known as "Mr. Television," Yavin was closely associated with Israel's state television channel and left behind a legacy spanning decades of broadcasting. His funeral will be held on Friday at 11:00 AM at the Givat Hashlosha cemetery.

Yavin began his media career in 1956 as a student at Kol Yisrael, initially hosting news and entertainment programs. In 1962, he launched the "Gal Hakol" broadcasts, which evolved into Radio Network B. He later worked in Kol Yisrael's documentary department as an editor, producer, and presenter. Yavin was the face of numerous flagship news programs including "Mabat LaHadashot," "Yoman HaShavua," and "Mabat Sheni," appearing on Israeli screens more than any other individual.

He coined the term "Mahapach" (upheaval) during the 1977 election night broadcast that marked the Likud party's historic victory under Menachem Begin. Beyond news, Yavin recorded children's story albums in the 1970s, narrating and performing characters in works such as "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" and "Aladdin." A television quiz board game also bore his name.

Yavin was married to Yossefa Kronfeld, a former Bank of Israel employee turned business mediation lawyer. They lived in Jerusalem for decades before moving to Tel Aviv in 1999. They had four children, including the late Dafna Yavin-Reches, a former attorney and school principal, and Jonathan Yavin, a journalist and author.