Legendary Israeli journalist, documentarian and television personality Moti Kirschenbaum died Friday, at the age of 76. Kirschenbaum collapsed at his home in Mikhmoret, in central Israel, after suffering a fatal heart attack. Paramedics called to the scene were unable to revive him. Kirschenbaum served as director of the Israel Broadcasting Authority between 1993 and 1997. Since 2002 he co-hosted the popular current events show "London and Kirschenbaum" on Channel 10, alongside veteran journalist Yaron London. Channel 10 CEO Yossi Warshavsky and News Director Golan Yochpaz issued a joint statement on Friday, eulogizing Kirschenbaum. "Channel 10, and essentially any media outlet Moti had worked for in his long career, was blessed with the presence of this giant of journalism, and with knowing him, for his personality and big heart. "In the world of journalism, where some values are gradually eroded, Moti was a rock, ever steadfast in his professionalism, ethics, integrity, experience, booming talent, creativity and innovation -- even after more than five decades in this business. "For us, Moti had the last say on any professional dilemma. He would be the one we would turn to for advice. We are stunned and saddened by the news, and we offer our heartfelt condolences to the Kirschenbaum family," the statement said. Born in Kfar Saba in 1939, Kirschenbaum served in the IDF's Paratroopers' Brigade. He studied film and television at UCLA from 1962 to 1968, and was Yedioth Ahronoth's correspondent in Los Angeles during those years. Kirschenbaum joined the Israel Broadcast Authority in May 1968, just days after it was established, and was editor in chief of Mabat, Channel 1's main news edition. He served as Channel 1's programming director from 1976 to 1979. In the late 1980s he founded his own production company, Anat, and went on to produce several critically acclaimed documentaries, focusing on human interest stories intertwined in major events in Israel's history. Among his most notable work was the 1998 documentary series "Tkuma" ("revival"), which told the story of the first 50 years since Israel's inception. Kirschenbaum was a well-known outdoors enthusiast, and together with his son he produced and directed several wildlife films. In 1976 Kirschenbaum was awarded the Israel Prize for his work in television. In 2009 he was awarded the Israeli Journalists Association's Lifetime Achievement Award. As Israel mourned his death, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tweeted, "Moti Kirschenbaum was a pioneer of Israeli television, a fair yet uncompromising interviewer, with a unique language and great intellectual curiosity. We will miss him greatly." Channel 1 tweeted, "We mourn the passing of journalist Moti Kirschenbaum, who died this morning at 76. May he rest in peace." Veteran Channel 1 journalist Haim Yavin, who was the anchorman of Mabat between 1968 and 2008, told Army Radio Kirschenbaum's death was "a monumental loss to the world of Israeli journalism." Sport and Culture Minister Miri Regev eulogized Kirschenbaum: "A cultural hero passed away today. He promised his fans he would stay on the air until his final day, and that is exactly what happened. Kirschenbaum gave his all, and he will be remembered as someone who turned our screens into delightful play. His unique language won everyone over. He was a lover of mankind and a lover of peace," she said in a statement. Channel 1 News Director Ayala Hasson tweeted, "Moti Kirschenbaum, a dear friend and superb television personality. Where do I begin? He will be sorely missed." MK Shelly Yachimovich said, "He was a creative genius with an unusual sense of humor, whose ability to hold up a mirror to Israeli society enriched our lives." Kirschenbaum's untimely passing "is a blow to Israeli culture and television," Second Authority for Television and Radio Chairman Eva Madjiboj said. "He had the natural talent to create smart, fresh, uncompromising television that reached the viewers at eye-level. He will be sorely missed." "We have lost a first-rate journalist, an Israel Prize laureate, with an unyielding talent for presenting the truth," former President Shimon Peres said. Hatnuah Chairwoman Tzipi Livni tweeted, "Moti Kirschenbaum, who always used to say 'never quit while you're ahead,' has unintentionally done just that. A sharp critic and a curious man, he lived up to all his other promises." In a Facebook post, Opposition Leader Isaac Herzog (Zionist Union) said Kirschenbaum "was the master of the sharp word. We will remember him as one of the forefathers of public broadcasting, a producer, and the man who penned extraordinary satire. He was one of the most important media personalities Israel has ever had." Kirschenbaum is survived by his partner, Hani, and his four children.
