Parting with Oren Nahari: "A Voice of Sanity"
Israeli President Isaac Herzog noted that Nahari left behind a "rich journalistic and cultural legacy." Journalist Amir Bar-Shalom eulogized him, calling him a "charming man and a rare professional." Politicians and colleagues, including Yair Lapid and Avigdor Lieberman, expressed their condolences following the passing of the legendary journalist, who died after a battle with ALS.
Today, Israel bids farewell to Oren Nahari, one of the most respected journalists and commentators, whose name became synonymous with high-quality international news coverage. He passed away at the age of 70 after a battle with ALS.
"With deep sorrow, I received the news of the passing of Oren Nahari, of blessed memory, one of the senior journalists and media figures in Israel," wrote Israeli President Isaac Herzog on X. "Just a few days ago, I greeted him on the broadcast of his final program. For decades, Oren opened a window to the wide world for all of us, and he did so with rare talent, curiosity, professionalism, and an open heart. Oren left behind a rich journalistic and cultural legacy and a unique voice that will be greatly missed. My deepest condolences to his family and all who loved him. May his memory be blessed."
The Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation (Kan), where Nahari worked in his final years, stated: "The corporation parts today with deep sorrow with Oren Nahari, who was one of the prominent symbols of public broadcasting in Israel — from the days of the Israel Broadcasting Authority to the very last days in Kan News broadcasts on Reshet Bet. The employees of Kan share in the deep sorrow of the Nahari family, embracing his wife Vered, his children, grandchildren, and all who loved him. May his memory be blessed."
Opposition leader Yair Lapid eulogized him:
"In a world of fast communication and instant gratification, Oren Nahari was a voice of culture, sanity, broad education, and genuine intellectual curiosity. May his memory be blessed."
Journalist Amir Bar-Shalom, military and security analyst for Galei Tzahal, parted with Nahari during the morning news broadcast on Keshet 12: "Condolences to the world of journalism. He was a charming man and a rare journalist—there aren't many like him. Oren and I worked together for two and a half decades. He possessed a phenomenal amount of knowledge; whenever there was a hole in information, he was the man to go to. I once asked him where the knowledge came from, and he told me that when he was a child, his parents forced him to read an encyclopedia entry every evening. That knowledge was not lost; this is a loss for Israeli journalism. He was one of our pillars, including in terms of his patience."
Nahari's colleagues also shared their memories. Journalist Amichai Stein noted: "Oren was a broadcaster with vast knowledge who knew how to make the world accessible to everyone, a witty man who taught many generations of journalists how to tell a story." Channel 12 journalist Almog Boker added: "Dear and beloved Oren Nahari, one of the veteran and most respected journalists we had, passed away at the age of 70. He broadcast until the very last moment."
Israel Beytenu leader Avigdor Lieberman wrote: "I was very saddened to hear of the passing of Oren Nahari. For decades, he brought something different to the Israeli media. His knowledge, curiosity, and depth were evident in every broadcast, and it was always interesting to listen to him. He will be greatly missed in the Israeli media landscape."
Nahari, one of the senior international news journalists in Israel, served for decades as a reporter, editor, and commentator. Earlier this year, he revealed that he was dealing with ALS and that his condition was deteriorating rapidly. He is survived by his wife and two children. His funeral will take place today at 18:00 at the Menucha Nechona cemetery in Petah Tikva. Just five days ago, Nahari hosted his final program on Reshet Bet and said goodbye to his listeners.
