Mordechai "Moti" Kirschenbaum (Hebrew: מרדכי "מוטי" קירשנבאום; born September 24, 1939, Kfar Saba — died September 25, 2015, Mikhmoret) was a prominent Israeli journalist, television editor, producer and documentarian. Over a career that spanned decades he became widely regarded as one of the figures who shaped the early character and practices of Israeli television journalism.
Overview and role in Israeli television
Kirschenbaum was among the original staff when Israeli television began broadcasting in May 1968. He served as editor of Mabat, the new network's flagship evening news program, during its formative first three years. In those early years his editorial decisions and program formats played a part in establishing routines for daily television news in Israel.
Work and creative output
Beyond news editing, Kirschenbaum worked as a producer, editor and director. He created and shaped a range of programs across genres, from current-affairs formats to documentary films. His credits include long-running and influential television projects such as:
- Lo HaKol Over — a program known for mixing reportage and commentary
- Nikui Rosh — a program that combined investigative items with lighter features
He also directed several documentary films and television documentaries that addressed cultural, social and historical themes, bringing storytelling techniques drawn from journalism into longer-form film work.
Style, themes and influence
Kirschenbaum's work is often described as marked by a dedication to clear storytelling and a willingness to experiment with form while maintaining editorial rigor. As television in Israel evolved from a nascent service into a central public medium, his roles in producing, editing and directing helped train and influence succeeding generations of television professionals. Colleagues and viewers remembered him as an advocate for high production standards and for using broadcast media to illuminate public issues.
Legacy
Moti Kirschenbaum left a durable imprint on Israeli broadcasting: he was a visible participant at the medium's start and continued to work in television and film for many years. At his death in 2015, memorials recalled both his practical contributions to news programming and his broader impact as a mentor, documentarian and figure in Israeli cultural life.
For further context on Israeli television history and programs that emerged in the same era, see related resources and archives that document the launch of national broadcasting and the development of televised news and documentary production.