Danny Kushmaro in deep mourning: "Thank you for everything"
The legendary media figure and one of the symbols of public broadcasting in Israel passed away after battling ALS. Channel 12 anchor Danny Kushmaro paid tribute to him: "The man with the passion to know."
The Israeli media landscape is in deep mourning following the passing of journalist, anchor, and veteran foreign news editor Oren Nahari, who died at the age of 70 after a battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Nahari was widely regarded as one of the most prominent and respected symbols of public broadcasting in Israel, spanning from the days of the Israel Broadcasting Authority to his recent work at 'Kan Hadashot' on Reshet Bet.
His journalistic acumen and broad perspective led him to become the foreign news editor of Channel 1 in the early 90s, a role that became his professional trademark and established the foundations for international news coverage in Israel. Over the decades, he played a central role in iconic programs such as "Roim Olam" ("Seeing the World"), "Globus," and "Me-hayom Le-machar" ("From Today to Tomorrow"). His career spanned some of the most significant historical junctions of our time: from the democratic elections in South Africa and the genocide in Rwanda to the September 11 terror attacks and the events of October 7.
In recent years, Nahari returned to public broadcasting to host the weekly program "Shabbat with Oren Nahari" on Reshet Bet, alongside the radio series "The American Experiment" with Eran Sikurel. On August 8, just days before his death, he hosted his final program, sharing a poignant farewell with his listeners:
"I would have been very happy to continue being here, broadcasting to you every Saturday, but unfortunately, the disease is progressing very quickly. Remember, the world is wide, complex, you need to look at it with open eyes. This was my mission, this is my last request to you: continue to look, to listen, to ask questions, not to take things for granted, and to continue to be interested."
Nahari's passing has sparked heartfelt tributes across the industry. Channel 12 anchor Danny Kushmaro paid his respects:
"The voice of reason and curiosity that opened a window for us to the wide world has fallen silent. The man with the passion to know more, to broaden horizons, and also with wonderful Hebrew, is gone. Thank you for everything, Mr. Nahari."
The Ice website shares in the deep sorrow of his wife Vered, his children, grandchildren, and all who loved him.
