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, who has been a prominent voice in Israeli media for over 40 years, announced his retirement due to the rapid progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a debilitating neurodegenerative disease that has severely affected his speech, breathing, and swallowing.

During his last broadcast, Nahari shared a heartfelt message with his listeners, urging them to remain curious and critical about the world despite his departure. He reflected on his career, noting that while he had imagined retiring far in the future, the disease forced an earlier goodbye. He expressed gratitude to his audience and emphasized that although he was leaving the studio and microphone, he was not leaving the world or the stories that continue to unfold.

Nahari’s final show included a review of current global scientific and political issues, as well as a historical segment covering events from 1961, such as the sinking of the ship Egoz and political upheavals in China and South Korea. He also played some of his favorite songs as part of the farewell.

The broadcast was marked by a tribute from Israeli President Isaac Herzog, who praised Nahari’s decades-long contribution to expanding public understanding of complex global topics. Herzog highlighted Nahari’s rare talent for making intricate subjects accessible and engaging, and wished him well in his health battle.

Nahari’s departure marks the end of an era for Israeli foreign news journalism, as his clear, confident voice has been a trusted guide for listeners seeking to understand world affairs. Despite his illness, Nahari’s final message was one of hope and encouragement to continue questioning and learning about the world.