Legendary Israeli sportscaster Modi Bar-On died on Monday at the age of 59, after a long battle with cancer. His decades-long career made him a household name in Israel as a journalist, broadcaster, screenwriter, comedian, actor, and documentarian.
Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
Israeli media across the board paid tribute to Bar-On, as the president and the prime minister, as well as a host of other elected officials, sent condolences to the family.
"Modi Bar-On was the Israeli we all loved to see – casual, smiling, smart, and a man who loved his country. He made us all think and he made us all laugh, and he will be greatly missed," Prime Minister Naftali Bennett tweeted.
President Isaac Herzog tweeted, "With a broken heart, we bid farewell to Modi Bar-On, taken from us too soon. He constantly reflected us as a country and a society back to us, and he always reminded us that at the end of the day, it's all about people. His inquisitive mind and sharp humor will be sorely missed. "
Foreign Minister Yair Lapid, himself a former journalist and TV presenter, said, "Modi, my old, smart, funny, rare friend – your voice was synonymous with Israeli sportscasts. It was Israel's voice. You will always be in my heart."
Sports and Culture Minister Chili Tropper said in a statement, "Modi's works as a presenter, screenwriter, and director have reached every home in Israel and will be remembered for many years due to his unique style. Bar-On's intelligent, extensive and in-depth presentation on Sport 5 will be sorely missed by us all."
Bar-On is survived by his wife and two daughters. He will be laid to rest on Tuesday afternoon.
