Israeli Journalist Neri Livneh Opens Up About Living with Parkinson’s Disease

Israeli journalist and media personality Neri Livneh spoke candidly about her battle with Parkinson’s disease during an interview on the Kan 11 program "Kovnovik" aired on Sunday. Livneh revealed that she initially felt ashamed and viewed herself as "a damaged woman," emphasizing that she did not want to become a "Parkinson’s model." She described her psychological struggle, saying she was not afraid but deeply embarrassed, and highlighted her reliance on denial and repression as coping mechanisms.

Livneh shared that humor plays a crucial role in managing her condition, helping her to reframe her chaotic life. She recounted a personal fear of choking on food, joking that if it happened, it would be with a borekas pastry rather than a sandwich. Regarding informing her children about her diagnosis, she recalled a conversation with her eldest son two months before her official diagnosis, where he encouraged her to see a doctor despite her fears.

She also discussed her motivation for writing a personal column about Parkinson’s, explaining it was a way to help herself come to terms with the disease rather than to assist others. Livneh acknowledged that writing marked her transition from denial to acceptance. The interview also referenced other public figures recently disclosing their Parkinson’s diagnoses, including singer Carly Simon and Morten Harket, lead vocalist of the band a-ha.