Eilat Mourns Founding Journalist and Local Newspaper Pioneer Yitzhak Noam

Yitzhak Noam, a founding figure of the southern Israeli city of Eilat and founder of the local newspaper "Erev Erev BeEilat," passed away at age 95. Noam documented Eilat’s development for over six decades, becoming a prominent figure in Israeli local journalism. Born on February 18, 1931, Noam arrived in Eilat in 1949 as a soldier in Ariel Sharon’s reconnaissance unit shortly after the liberation of Umm Rashrash during Operation Ovda. In 1957, he returned with his wife Puah to help establish the city’s community, culture, and education when the population was about 1,500.

Noam began his journalism career in 1959 as Eilat correspondent for Haaretz, later writing for Davar and joining Kol Israel’s field reporters for over 20 years covering Eilat and the Arava region. He was the primary contact for national media on major southern Israel events, reporting on the city’s growth, tourism, port, security, and daily life. In 1962, Yitzhak and Puah Noam founded "Erev Erev BeEilat," Israel’s first local newspaper, which evolved from a small independent leaflet into Eilat’s leading media outlet and a milestone in local journalism.

Beyond reporting, Noam was a mentor to generations of journalists, with his newspaper serving as a professional home for many notable reporters and editors. He championed independent, critical, and community-focused local journalism. Under his leadership, the paper also became a community activist, leading social initiatives, fundraisers, sports events, and public and environmental campaigns, including efforts to save the Dkom palm trees, remove fish cages from Eilat Bay, and protect the Samar sands.

Noam’s legacy continues through his children, Zivit Amitai and attorney Rotem Noam, who manage the newspaper and publishing house. "Erev Erev BeEilat" remains in print and digital formats, continuing to cover the city with the values instilled by its founder. His funeral is scheduled for Thursday at 6 p.m. at Eilat Cemetery, with the family sitting shiva at their home on Dekar Street 12/34.