The evening before his father, Israel Prize laureate actor Haim Topol, was laid to rest, his son, Dr. Omer Topol, was interviewed last night (Thursday) by Kan Reshet B. “It’s a sad day. But on the other hand, in light of his condition and illness, this was a relief mainly for him, I know,” said Topol in an interview with Yoav Krakowski. “In the last few months, his condition has deteriorated and he is ‘galloping’ towards the foreknown end. But we managed to enjoy him and his presence with us for quite a few years, even in the shadow of the disease.”
Listen to the interview with Omar, son of Haim Topol, here on Network B
“Dad dedicated his last 20 years to the ‘Kfar Nahar Jordan’ project,” he said. “He saw the establishment of this village as the culmination of his work and creation. It is a project whose entire construction took about a decade. Indeed, last year he celebrated ten years of activity already.”
Topol, passed away early yesterday morning after a battle with Alzheimer’s disease and he was 87 years old at the time of his death. He left Galia, his wife, whom he knew when they served together in the Nahal band, three children and grandchildren. “68 years of marriage ended yesterday,” said Omar. “A mother reveals strengths that we didn’t know existed in her. She really, with all the sadness, accepts it strongly and strongly and she really surprised us all.”
Haim Topol with his wife Galia and their son Omer, 1967 (Photo: Getty Images)
“Dad said that playing is 10% talent and 90% luck,” said Topol. “I don’t think he competed with anyone. He did his job, he was a professional at the level of an Olympic athlete. He trained, and believed that the body was his tool and took care of it. He was always in shape, always took care of his diet and his physical abilities and indeed right up until In a year or a year and a half, he could have easily covered five kilometers on the beach.”