Veteran Israeli Journalist Oren Nahari Reflects on Life, Career, and Legacy

Oren Nahari, born in 1955 and raised in Haifa, is a prominent Israeli journalist and editor. A graduate of the Reali School and a former intelligence corps serviceman, Nahari joined the Israel Broadcasting Authority in 1979 as a security guard before transitioning to sports reporting. Since 1985, he has led the foreign news desk and hosted programs such as 'Ro'im Olam,' 'Globus,' and 'Moked.' His first edited book, the 'Encyclopedic Atlas of the World' (2001), became a bestseller, and he has since published ten books, including a recent title, 'Companies That Changed the World.' Currently, he is working on his next book.

Nahari shared personal memories and reflections, recalling his earliest memory of Haifa's Carmel Beach and the songs played there. He discussed the harsh criticism he once received comparing him unfavorably to genre pioneers David Witztum and Emmanuel Halperin, which affected him deeply. He described his upbringing in a traditional, security-focused family and the impact of his father's death when Nahari was 21. Despite challenges, he considers his career achievements, including his long tenure and projects like 'Ro'im Olam,' as significant.

He revealed his dream of balancing adrenaline and tranquility, aspiring to write a Pulitzer-winning book and an ultimate thriller or science fiction novel. Nahari also expressed a desire to reassure his 16-year-old self during a recent high school reunion, reflecting on past struggles. He shared personal anecdotes, such as the most expensive gift he bought (a bracelet for his wife), his least favorite physical trait (a slightly stooped posture), and his biggest fear, being unprepared to report on a major breaking news event.

Regarding 2014, Nahari identified Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, leader of ISIS, as the most impactful figure, warning of the group's dangerous influence and ambitions to redraw borders and impose a harsh ideology. He also spoke candidly about the need for forgiveness within his family and described himself as someone who strives to do good but does not always succeed. For his funeral, he wishes the song "Let the Good Times Roll" by Bobby Bland and B.B. King to be played.