Prominent Haredi Journalist Menachem Klugman Dies at 90 in Bnei Brak

Menachem Klugman, a veteran journalist and publicist for the Haredi newspaper Hamodia and a respected figure in the Gur Hasidic community, passed away at age 90. He died peacefully after collapsing at his home on Rabbi Shach Street in Bnei Brak, with emergency services called to the scene. Klugman was born in 1935 to Rabbi Yitzchak Avigdor Klugman and Elka, who raised him with strong Torah values.

For decades, Klugman was a leading voice in Haredi journalism, shaping public opinion on religion and state issues through his sharp and insightful writings. His final column, titled "The Left Is Confident of Its Victory," was published just days before his death. Despite losing his eyesight in recent years, he continued to write by dictating articles to his son, Ben Zion Klugman, a noted author and researcher of Gur Hasidic history.

Klugman was also a distinguished Torah scholar and a devoted member of the Gur Hasidic community in Bnei Brak, known for his humility, wisdom, and leadership in prayer. He maintained close spiritual ties with the Gur Rebbes and served as deputy chairman of the Religious Council of Tel Aviv-Jaffa, representing Agudat Yisrael and advocating for religious institutions such as Shabbat observance, mikvaot, and kashrut.

His legendary column "Ifcha Mistabra" was renowned for articulating the Haredi perspective on contemporary challenges with clarity and strength. Klugman leaves behind a significant legacy, including children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who continue in Torah and Hasidic traditions. His son Ben Zion is the author of the acclaimed "Or Zerua Latzadik" series on the history of the Gur dynasty. The community mourns the loss of a towering figure in Haredi journalism and leadership.