Veteran journalist Oren Nahari dies of ALS at 70, days after final radio broadcast

Veteran Israeli journalist Oren Nahari died on Thursday at the age of 70 following a long battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). His passing came just days after his final radio broadcast, during which he publicly acknowledged the rapid progression of the disease and its impact on his ability to communicate. Nahari, who spent more than four decades in journalism, was best known for his work as a foreign affairs reporter and news anchor on the Israel Broadcasting Authority, commonly referred to as Channel 1. After the authority’s dissolution, he continued his career with its successor, Kan Reshet Bet, a public radio station. In recent years, he gained renewed prominence through his popular podcast and radio program titled “A Year in an Hour,” which explored key moments in 20th-century history. He also hosted a weekly Saturday morning radio show, “Shabbat with Oren Nahari,” which became a staple for listeners seeking thoughtful commentary on historical and political matters. During his final broadcast, Nahari spoke candidly about his condition, describing how ALS was affecting his breathing, swallowing, and speech. Despite these challenges, he remained resolute, expressing his hope that the stories he had dedicated his life to telling would continue beyond his absence. “The stories will continue to be written, even without me,” he said. “Other articles and reporters will continue to bring them to you. But remember: the world is wide and complex. Look at it with open eyes. That was my mission. This is my last request to you: keep looking, keep listening, keep asking questions, don’t take things for granted and keep being interested.” His words were met with emotional responses from listeners and colleagues alike. A surprise message from President Isaac Herzog was played during the broadcast, praising Nahari for opening a window to the wider world through his work. “With rare talent, you knew how to take complex issues, in all kinds of fascinating fields, in history, culture, science, society and politics, and turn them into fascinating and accessible articles and programs for everyone,” Herzog said. Nahari’s career spanned decades of impactful reporting. Born in Haifa, he began his journey in journalism covering sports for Channel 1 in 1980 before transitioning to foreign affairs in 1985. As part of the team behind the weekly TV show “Seeing the World,” he covered landmark events such as the first democratic elections in South Africa and the Rwandan Genocide. His interviews with global leaders, including former U.S. President George W. Bush, former Czech statesman Václav Havel, former South African President Nelson Mandela, and the Dalai Lama, further cemented his reputation as a respected figure in international journalism. After leaving Channel 1 in 2016 due to disputes over the transition to the new Kan public broadcaster, Nahari moved to the Walla news site, where he served as a foreign news editor and commentator until 2021. He returned to public broadcasting in 2023, resuming his role on “Shabbat with Oren Nahari,” a program that reflected both his enduring passion for storytelling and his deep connection to the community. Political leaders also paid tribute to his contributions. Opposition leader Yair Lapid described Nahari as “a voice for culture, sanity, broad education, and genuine intellectual curiosity.” Herzog echoed similar sentiments, calling Nahari’s death a profound loss for the nation. “For decades, Oren opened a window to the wider world for all of us, and he did so with rare talent, curiosity, professionalism and an open heart,” he said. Nahari’s funeral was scheduled for Thursday at 6 p.m. at the Menucha Nechona Cemetery in Kfar Saba, marking the end of a remarkable life dedicated to informing, inspiring, and connecting people through the power of journalism.