Israeli radio and television personality Ofer Nachshon, known as Israel’s Eurovision spokesperson, has died at age 59. He leaves behind two brothers, Ziv and Guy.
Since launching his career in the late 1980s, Nachshon worked at Kol Yisrael, Israel Broadcasting Authority, 88FM and later radio channels at the public media corporation. He was best known as Israel’s Eurovision spokesperson — a role he first assumed in 2009 and resumed in 2017 when IBA closed.
“Forever young, a true pop music lover and creative soul,” said Yoav Ginai in a statement. “Ofer was one of the unique broadcasters — bold, colourful, fearless. He never shied away from expressing his musical views, and he was among the first to come out publicly. When I assigned him as Israel’s Eurovision commentator, his vivid persona became known across Europe. Many regretted when he left the screen and radio microphone.”
Also remembered was his time at “Kufsat Ha Lahitim” (Hit Box) on Reshet Gimmel; singer Dana International said: “His show was among the country’s most successful. He embraced me early in my career. My success might not have happened without his support. He loved new music passionately and had a heart made of songs. I loved him dearly.”
Longtime friend and colleague Menahem Garnit said: “It’s unbearably difficult to speak of Ofer in the past tense. I talked to him just a week ago. Professionally, there was no one like him. He loved music, was deeply sensitive, and his antenna always picked up how each person felt — a rare trait in radio.”
Fellow broadcaster Ben Red wrote: “I seldom found a kindred spirit in radio — but Ofer was one. We spent hours on the air and off the air talking about everything. He had immense knowledge and a huge heart. He was generous beyond belief.”
The Israel Public Broadcasting Corporation said: “We share the grief of Ofer Nachshon’s family and friends. He was a legendary radio host and public broadcasting figure, one of the most prominent voices of the 1990s and associated with Reshet Gimmel, and until recently with Kan’s news network. Kan Gimmel and 88 FM will broadcast a series of tribute programs tonight and tomorrow.”
Nachshon began his career at Kol HaShalom and in 1990 joined Kol Yisrael, presenting the pop chart and his signature show. He recalled in a 1994 interview how he sent a cassette to IBA and was invited to an audition. “I never dreamed I would soon host a daily show in the highest echelons of Hebrew pop music. There are only about 60 voice‑over announcers here — it’s harder than becoming a pilot.”
In that same interview, he spoke of being among the first major Israeli public figures to come out as gay. “I wasn’t willing to hide my truth. Professionally and personally I refuse to pretend. And if someone tried to sabotage my success because of that — I was ready to expose it. Thankfully, it didn’t happen."
He added: “When I started gaining popularity, I promised to use that platform as a role model for young people who feel alone with identity problems. I want to tell them: ‘Be who your heart says. Don’t deny yourself.’”
In 1997, when Reshet Gimmel switched to Israeli music only and dropped “Kufsat Ha Lahitim” and the chart show, Nachshon moved to 88 FM and later returned to public radio. From 2009 to 2017, he delivered Israel’s Eurovision voting results, stepping away after the IBA’s closure. In later years, he hosted on Kan Gimmel and served as news‑radio narrator for the public media corporation.
In a 1994 interview, he credited his uniqueness to his courage: “I brought to radio something never heard before: openness, liberalism, a unisex style. I brought it from my life into the microphone.”
Nachshon’s passing marks the end of a significant era in Israeli radio.