Health03:00 · Aug 21

Amichai Hochner Dies at 47 After Four-Year Battle with Leukemia

YnetCenter

Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba

Key points

01Amichai Hochner died at 47 after nearly four years battling acute myeloid leukemia.
02He underwent two bone marrow transplants, with the second initially successful but followed by relapse.
03Amichai was a gifted classical pianist who returned to music in his final months, completing an album.
04He shared a close bond with his brother Yair and a 26-year partnership with Kobi Kleitman.
05Medical staff at Beilinson Hospital provided compassionate care throughout his treatment.
06His family and partner urge living fully, expressing love, and maintaining hope even in hardship.

In this story

People

Amichai Hochner, Yair Hochner, Kobi Kleitman, Professor Moshe Yeshurun, Professor Ophir Wolach, Professor Pia Ra'anani

OrganizationsDavidoff Center, Beilinson Hospital, IDF

PlacesIsrael, Beilinson Hospital, Davidoff Center

The story · English

Amichai Hochner passed away at age 47 after nearly four years of fighting acute myeloid leukemia, including two bone marrow transplants. In his final days, he was hospitalized, connected to oxygen and IVs, yet still found moments of humor watching a reality show with his brother Yair. Despite the severity of his illness, Amichai maintained hope and optimism until the end.

Amichai and his brother Yair shared a close bond since childhood, described as opposites yet inseparable. Yair remembered their mischievous youth and the deep connection they maintained throughout life. Amichai lived with his partner Kobi Kleitman for nearly 26 years, a relationship marked by daily expressions of love and mutual support. Kobi recounted their journey from diagnosis in December 2022, when Amichai was urgently hospitalized after blood tests revealed leukemia, through grueling treatments and hospital stays.

Amichai was a gifted classical pianist who had given up a potential solo career for a quieter life. In his final months, he returned to music, composing songs with the help of AI technology and completing an album shortly before his death. His partner Kobi described him as a deeply intelligent, introverted man who loved life and expressed himself best through words and music.

Despite aggressive treatments and consultations with international experts, the leukemia proved relentless. After the second bone marrow transplant in March 2023 initially showed promise, the cancer returned, and no further medical options could halt its progression. Amichai remained hopeful, rarely discussing the grim prognosis, choosing instead to focus on living fully.

Amichai died peacefully on a Sunday morning with Kobi by his side. His family and partner emphasize the importance of cherishing life, expressing love openly, and having supportive people during illness. The medical staff at Davidoff Center in Beilinson Hospital received praise for their compassionate care. Amichai’s legacy lives on through his music and the love shared with those closest to him.

Read the original at Ynet