Israeli TV Pioneer Chaim Yavin Laid to Rest at 93

Chaim Yavin, a pioneering Israeli journalist and recipient of the Israel Prize, was laid to rest on Friday morning at 11:00 at the cemetery in Kibbutz Givat Hashlosha. Yavin, who passed away at age 93, was one of the founders of Israeli television and the iconic anchor of the news program "Mabat LaHadashot." He is survived by his wife, Yossefa, and three sons, Jonathan, Maiki, and Hagai. His daughter, Dafna, predeceased him in October 2025.

Born Heinz Kluger in Germany in 1932, Yavin immigrated to Israel with his family at the age of one. He began his media career in 1956 as a news and entertainment presenter for Kol Israel while studying literature at the Hebrew University. In 1962, he helped launch Galei Kol, later known as Reshet Bet, and was part of the team that established Israeli television. In 1968, he anchored the first edition of "Mabat," becoming its main presenter for nearly four decades.

Yavin also edited the news and investigative program "Mabat Sheni," served as news director and later as director of Israeli television. He is famously associated with the 1977 Knesset election broadcast where he coined the term "Mahapach" (upheaval) to describe the political shift that brought Menachem Begin to power. Awarded the Israel Prize for communications in 1997, Yavin briefly moved to Channel 2 before returning to "Mabat" until 2008.

In 2005, Yavin directed the documentary series "Eretz HaMitnachalim" about the West Bank settlements, which sparked criticism for allegedly defaming settlers. Yavin defended the lack of balance in the documentary format, though the broadcaster added studio discussions after each episode. In 2016, he stirred controversy with comments on sexual harassment, suggesting past behaviors were more accepted, which led to accusations from former colleagues that he had harassed them; Yavin denied these claims.

Colleagues and contemporaries remembered Yavin’s charisma, authoritative voice, and gentlemanly demeanor. Dalia Mazor, who co-anchored "Mabat" with him, described him as Israel’s closest equivalent to a movie star, noting his unique personal charm and professional restraint. His entry into broadcasting was reportedly a chance discovery while serving as a medic and training broadcasting staff in first aid.

Yavin’s death marks the passing of a seminal figure in Israeli media history, whose career spanned the birth and growth of Israeli television journalism.