Veteran Israeli Journalist Oren Nahari Bids Farewell to Radio Amid ALS Battle

Oren Nahari, a leading Israeli foreign news journalist and radio host, recorded his final program for Kan Reshet Bet, which aired on Saturday morning. Nahari, who has been battling ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), announced his departure due to the disease's rapid progression, which has severely affected his speech, breathing, and swallowing. In his farewell broadcast of "Shabbat with Oren Nahari" and the podcast "A Year in an Hour," he reflected on his career and the challenges of confronting his illness publicly.

Nahari began his journalism career in sports before finding his niche in foreign news, covering major global events such as the fall of the Berlin Wall, the Rwandan genocide, and the 9/11 attacks. He described journalism as a mission to bring distant stories to life and give them meaning. Despite his illness, he expressed gratitude to his listeners for their support and engagement over the years, emphasizing the importance of staying informed and curious about the world.

During the program, Nahari shared a message from Israeli President Isaac Herzog, who praised Nahari's rare talent for making complex topics accessible and thanked him for his decades of dedicated journalism. Nahari acknowledged the emotional difficulty of ending his broadcasting career but urged his audience to continue seeking knowledge and understanding of global affairs. His final show included a review of current world events and a historical segment concluding the year 1961.

Nahari's departure marks the end of an era for Israeli radio journalism, as he leaves behind a legacy of insightful reporting and a deep connection with his audience. He will no longer be able to use his voice to narrate the news, but his work remains influential and respected.