Veteran Israeli Journalist Oren Nahari Dies at 70 After ALS Battle

Israeli public broadcaster Kan mourned the death of veteran journalist, editor, and TV and radio presenter Oren Nahari, who passed away at age 70 after battling ALS. Nahari was recognized as a prominent symbol of Israeli public broadcasting, with a career spanning from the Israel Broadcasting Authority era to recent years on Kan's Channel 11 and Reshet Bet radio. The broadcaster praised his dedication to conveying global events with love, curiosity, and journalistic mission.

Nahari was known for covering major historical events of the 20th and 21st centuries, including South Africa's democratic elections, the Rwandan genocide, the September 11 terror attacks, and the October 7 massacre. He was celebrated for making complex international news accessible to Israeli audiences with dignity and professionalism.

David Weitzum, co-founder with Nahari of the international economic program "Globus," recalled their recent conversations and expressed sorrow over Nahari’s condition. President Isaac Herzog eulogized Nahari as a rare talent who opened a window to the wider world for Israelis, leaving a rich journalistic and cultural legacy. The Foreign Ministry highlighted Nahari’s exceptional ability to broaden perspectives on global affairs.

Political figures also paid tribute: Opposition leader Yair Lapid called Nahari a voice of culture and intellectual curiosity amid fast-paced media, while Knesset member Efrat Rayten described him as a unique and profound storyteller with boundless knowledge. Israel Beytenu chairman Avigdor Lieberman lamented the loss of Nahari’s deep knowledge and curiosity, which enriched Israeli media for decades.

Nahari’s final broadcast included a farewell to his microphone and a call for listeners to keep questioning and not take things for granted. His death marks the loss of a distinctive and respected voice in Israeli journalism.