Veteran Israeli Journalist Oren Nahari Bids Farewell Due to ALS Progression

Oren Nahari, a respected Israeli journalist and broadcaster, has announced his final departure from the microphone and studio after decades of work, due to the worsening of his ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) disease. In his last broadcast on August 8, 2026, Nahari explained that the disease has severely impaired his breathing, swallowing, and speech, making it impossible to continue his weekly program 'Saturday with Oren Nahari' and the podcast 'A Year in an Hour.' He reflected on his career, which began in sports journalism and evolved into foreign affairs reporting, covering major historical events such as the fall of the Berlin Wall and the 9/11 attacks. Nahari emphasized his commitment to delivering important facts in an engaging way and expressed gratitude to his listeners for their loyalty and engagement over the years.

During his farewell show, Nahari shared a retrospective look at current global affairs and historical events, including the 1961 sinking of the ship Egoz and political upheavals in China and South Korea. He noted a 12% increase in his program's listenership in the week of his announcement, with 162,000 weekly listeners, highlighting the deep connection he maintained with his audience. Nahari candidly addressed the personal challenge of becoming the subject of news himself and urged his audience to continue seeking knowledge and questioning the world with open eyes. He thanked his colleagues, interviewees, and especially his producer and deputy editor Maya Talmon Azarzar for their support throughout his career.

Nahari concluded by affirming that while he is stepping away from broadcasting, he is not leaving the world, encouraging listeners to stay curious and informed. His departure marks the end of an era for Israeli journalism, as he leaves behind a legacy of dedication to truthful and meaningful reporting.