Israeli Journalist Neri Livne Opens Up About Living With Parkinson's Disease

Israeli journalist and media personality Neri Livne publicly discussed her experience living with Parkinson's disease during an interview on the Kan News program "Kovnovik" broadcast on Reshet Bet. Livne revealed that she initially felt ashamed and viewed herself as "damaged" after her diagnosis, stating, "I don't want to be a Parkinson's model." She described her psychological struggle, including denial and embarrassment, but emphasized she was not afraid of the disease itself.

Livne explained that humor has been a crucial coping mechanism for her, helping her to reframe her chaotic life. She shared a personal anecdote about her lifelong fear of choking on food, joking that she feared it would happen with a burekas pastry. Regarding informing her children, she recounted a conversation with her eldest son two months before her diagnosis, where he encouraged her to see a doctor despite her fears.

She also discussed writing a personal column about her condition, clarifying that it was primarily a way to help herself accept the reality of Parkinson's rather than to assist others. Livne acknowledged that writing marked her transition from denial to acceptance. The interview also referenced recent public disclosures by other musicians, including Carly Simon and Morten Harket of the band a-ha, who have revealed their Parkinson's diagnoses.