Days after she was found lifeless in her hotel room in Athens while working on the series Tehran, Israeli producer Dana Eden was laid to rest Wednesday at Kiryat Shaul Cemetery. She is survived by her husband, Itamar, and their three children.
Hundreds of family members, friends and colleagues came to pay their final respects. Among those attending were her longtime production partner Shula Spiegel, actors Niv Sultan, Sasson Gabay, Ania Bukstein, Idan Alterman, Sarah von Schwarze, film producer Moshe Edery, actresses Hanna Laslo and Lirit Balaban, producer Ram Landes, Kastina CEO Meni Aviram, and Shiri Artzi.
In his eulogy, her husband Itamar spoke about their decades together, recalling that they fell in love as teenagers and built a life marked by family, creativity and shared experiences. He described Eden as fearless, vibrant and larger than life, saying they had faced many challenges together over the years, including personal and professional hardships, but always found a way forward. He said the events of October 7 marked a turning point for her emotionally, and expressed gratitude for their 38 years together while asking forgiveness for times he felt he had not fully understood her. He expressed hope that she would find peace and rest.
Her younger brother described her as a trailblazer who repeatedly broke glass ceilings for women and Israelis and stood at the forefront of the industry. He said she carried the family through difficult times with determination and strength, and described her as more turbulent than any sea he had known, adding that her spirit could not endure the recent storms. He said the family would continue forward with courage and determination inspired by her legacy.
Her production partner Shula Spiegel delivered an emotional tribute, recalling nearly two decades of close partnership, shared creativity and international achievements. She described Eden as the creative engine behind their work and said her presence would continue to guide every future project, even in her absence. Spiegel concluded by quoting a tribute written about Eden, describing her as a true force of nature.
Eden, who died at 52, worked in the television industry for more than three decades and was widely regarded as one of the most prominent and influential producers in Israeli television. She played a central role in the creation of several successful series, most notably Tehran, which won the International Emmy Award for Best Drama. Together with Spiegel, she led a major deal with Apple TV+, and was closely associated with the international breakthrough of Israeli television drama in recent years.
Her passing drew international attention and was reported widely in global media. British actor Hugh Laurie, who appeared in the 2024 season of Tehran, paid tribute, describing her as brilliant, funny and an exceptional leader, and extending condolences to all who knew her.
First published: 07:15, 02.19.26