Veteran Israeli Journalist Oren Nahari Retires Due to ALS Progression

Oren Nahari, a veteran Israeli journalist and foreign news editor, bid farewell to his radio microphone on August 8, 2026, as he broadcast his final program on Kan Reshet Bet. Nahari announced his retirement due to the rapid progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which has severely affected his speech, breathing, and swallowing abilities. He expressed deep regret at having to end his decades-long career but emphasized that the stories of the world would continue without him.

During his last broadcast, Nahari reflected on his 40-year career, which began in sports journalism before he became a leading figure in foreign news coverage at the Israel Broadcasting Authority and Channel 1. He shared that he now relies on a walker to move and that the disease has gradually taken away his ability to communicate, which was central to his work. Despite this, he reassured listeners that he was not saying goodbye to the world, only to the studio and microphone.

Nahari urged his audience to remain curious and critical, encouraging them to "keep looking, listening, asking questions, and not taking things for granted." His final program included a review of current global scientific and political affairs and a historical segment covering events from 1961. The broadcast was also marked by a tribute from Israeli President Isaac Herzog, who praised Nahari's rare talent for making complex topics accessible and thanked him for his significant journalistic contributions over the years.

Nahari’s departure marks the end of an era for Israeli foreign news broadcasting, as he was known for his intellectual depth and clear, confident voice that guided listeners through international developments for decades.