Gilad Ben Shach, the veteran Israeli radio editor at Kol Israel, died on October 1, 2026, at the age of 85. His death was confirmed by colleagues familiar with his work and his long career in broadcasting.
Ben Shach’s influence extended beyond radio. According to the Hebrew biographical record, he was also a composer and spent seven years serving as a police officer in the Southern District. The record states he was the son of a writer and journalist and the grandson of Mordechai, one of the founders of Gedera who served as the town’s mukhtar.
His career at Kol Israel spanned decades. Colleagues described him as a dedicated editor who shaped numerous programs over the years. His work was recognized within Israel’s broadcasting circles, though few details about specific programs or initiatives have been publicly released. The station has not issued an official statement.
Born in 1941, Ben Shach was raised in a family immersed in journalism and writing. His father’s work as a journalist and his grandfather’s role in founding Gedera suggest a family deeply rooted in public life. The biographical record notes that he spent part of his early years in law enforcement before turning his focus to radio.
Ben Shach’s musical pursuits are less documented, but the record confirms he was a composer. It remains unclear whether he produced any commercially released music or only composed for personal or private performances.
His time in the police force spanned seven years in the Southern District. This period of service is rarely mentioned in profiles of his life but is acknowledged as part of his diverse career in the biographical record.
Sources close to the station confirmed his passing. They described him as a man who dedicated his life to public service and media. Many colleagues recalled his calm demeanor and the quiet authority he brought to his editorial work.
There has been no public indication of the cause of death. The family has not issued a statement. Given his age, the death appears to be from natural causes, but no official details have been provided.
Ben Shach’s death leaves a gap in Israel’s broadcasting history. His work at Kol Israel spanned a period of significant change in Israeli media. His combination of interests in music, journalism, and public service reflected a career shaped by multiple disciplines.
He was the grandson of Mordechai, a figure remembered locally in Gedera. Mordechai’s role as a founder and mukhtar suggests a family history of leadership and community involvement, traits that Ben Shach reportedly carried into his own work.
The radio station has not announced plans for a memorial or tribute. Colleagues say his contributions helped shape the station’s tone over the decades. His passing was noted by those who knew him as a quiet but impactful figure.
His passing on October 1 comes amid a period of reflection within Israel’s media circles. Some note that the loss of such a longstanding figure signals a shift in the country’s broadcasting landscape.
Gilad Ben Shach’s life encapsulated a blend of public service, creative pursuit, and family legacy. His death marks the end of a chapter for those who valued his steady presence on Israeli airwaves.
According to Dead-People.