Renowned Israeli journalist Oren Nahari has died at the age of 70, just five days after presenting his final radio broadcast on Kan Reshet Bet. In March, Nahari announced that he had been diagnosed with the incurable disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and that his condition was deteriorating rapidly.
Final Broadcast and Farewell
During his last program, he told listeners: "First, a difficult announcement. This is the final program. As many of you know, I have ALS. The disease is progressing quickly. It is already affecting my breathing, walking and speech, and I will not be able to continue broadcasting. I am not saying goodbye to the world for now. I am only saying goodbye to the studio and the microphone, to this frequency that accompanied me for so many years."
He added: "The stories will continue to be written without me. Remember, the world is wide, complex, and one must look at it with open eyes. That was my mission, and this is my final request of you: Continue to look, to listen, to ask questions, not to take things for granted and to keep being interested. Thank you for being with me all the way."
Nahari opened up about his fight with the disease in an interview on Kan 11's Pgisha with Roni Kuban, revealing that it had begun affecting his limbs and he needed a walker. "I am a very clear-eyed person. There is no denial in me," he said. "The greatest sorrow is that I will not have time with Vered and the grandchildren, because they are young, so they will not remember."
Career Highlights
Nahari began his broadcasting career as a sports reporter in 1980 before transitioning to foreign news. He spent decades working as a foreign affairs reporter and news anchor on the now-defunct Channel 1, also serving as head of the foreign desk and chief international commentator for the company.
He interviewed some of the world's biggest figures throughout his career, such as Nelson Mandela and George W. Bush, and was also the author of several bestselling nonfiction and history books. In recent years, Nahari hosted the A Year in an Hour podcast about 20th century history as well as the radio show Shabbat with Oren Nahari on Kan Reshet Bet on Saturday mornings.
Tributes and Legacy
Tributes have flooded in for the journalist online, with Israeli President Isaac Herzog celebrating the "rich cultural legacy" and "unique voice" that he has left behind. He said: "With deep sorrow, I received the news of the passing of Oren Nahari, one of Israel's senior journalists and media figures. Only a few days ago, I greeted him on air during his final program. For decades, Oren opened a window for all of us to the wider world, and he did so with rare talent, curiosity, professionalism and an open heart. Oren leaves behind a rich journalistic and cultural legacy and a unique voice that will be greatly missed. My heartfelt condolences to his family and all who loved him. May his memory be a blessing."
Former Prime Minister Yair Lapid added: "In a world of fast media and instant gratification, Oren Nahari was a voice of culture, sanity, broad knowledge and genuine intellectual curiosity. May his memory be a blessing." Knesset member Gilad Kariv also paid tribute to Nahari, calling him "a wise and brave journalist." Nahari is survived by his wife, Vered, his two children and his grandchildren.
