Haim Yavin, Israeli TV Pioneer Known as 'Mr. Television,' Dies at 93

Haim Yavin, a foundational figure in Israeli television and often called "Mr. Television," passed away at the age of 93 on July 22, 2026. Yavin was a key founder of Israel's first television channel, where he anchored the news program "Mabat" for 40 years, becoming a defining voice in Israeli media. His family announced his death with deep sorrow and noted his funeral would be held on Friday at 11:00 at the Givat Hashlosha cemetery.

Born Heinz Kluger on September 10, 1932, in Beuthen, Germany (now part of Poland), Yavin immigrated to Israel as an infant. He grew up in Kiryat Binyamin and later studied Hebrew and English literature at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. While a student, he began working at Kol Israel radio in 1956, initially as a news and entertainment presenter. He later helped launch the "Gal Hakol" radio station and worked in documentary production.

Yavin was among the creators of Israeli television, presenting the first "Mabat" news broadcast on July 23, 1968, covering the hijacking of an El Al plane to Algeria. Over decades, he served as a correspondent, editor, and news director, and was known for coining the political term "Mahapach" (upheaval) during the 1977 election night broadcast when the Likud party won power. His interview style sparked public debates, including a notable exchange with Prime Minister Menachem Begin.

Beyond news, Yavin produced and hosted documentary series on Israeli politics and society, and taught television journalism. He briefly worked at Channel 2 in 1997 before returning to Channel 1. He also recorded children’s story albums and was honored with the Israel Prize for communications in 1997. Yavin retired from "Mabat" in February 2008 after four decades, receiving tributes from peers and successors.

In later years, he earned an honorary doctorate from Ben-Gurion University and published his autobiography "Crossing the Screen" in 2010. His last documentary, "Jerusalem - City of Broken Dreams," premiered in 2016. Yavin’s career left a lasting imprint on Israeli media and public discourse.