Isaac Noam, Eilat Pioneer and Local Journalism Founder, Dies at 95

Isaac Noam, a founding figure of the southern Israeli city of Eilat and a pioneer in local journalism, passed away at the age of 95. Noam dedicated over 60 years to journalism, public service, and community development in Eilat. His connection to the city began in 1949, shortly after its liberation during Operation Uvda, when he arrived as a radio operator in Ariel Sharon's reconnaissance unit. In 1957, he returned to live in Eilat with his late wife, Poa, helping to build the city's early community and cultural infrastructure when the population was just around 1,500.

Noam's journalistic career started in 1959 as a correspondent for Haaretz in Eilat. He later wrote for Davar and served as a reporter for Kol Israel in Eilat and the Arava region for about 20 years. He was a key voice reporting on security, tourism, port activities, and development in an era when Eilat was relatively isolated from central Israel. In 1962, Isaac and Poa Noam established "Erev Erev BeEilat," Israel's first local newspaper, which began as a single-page bulletin distributed by the couple to provide residents with timely local news. This modest publication became a model for local journalism across Israel.

The newspaper's editorial team nurtured many prominent Israeli journalists, including Yaakov Erez, Yair Stern, Amnon Nadav, and Amir Ivgi. Isaac Noam is survived by his children, Zivit Amiti and attorney Rotem Noam, who continue to manage the newspaper and publishing house he founded. His funeral is scheduled for Thursday evening at 6:00 PM at the Eilat cemetery, with the family sitting shiva at their home on Dekar Street in Eilat.