Israeli Sports said goodbye this morning (Friday) to one of its pioneers, Alex Giladi. The only television producer and Israeli who was a member of the International Olympic Committee, is laid to rest today in the Ramat Hasharon cemetery, two days after he passed away at the age of 79 after dealing with a serious illness. Dozens of sportsmen came to pay their last respects to Giladi.
Giladi, a former member of the International Olympic Committee, worked in the sports department of Israeli television and was appointed director in 1975. In 1977 he was appointed director of special events and in this context he was responsible for the productions of prominent television broadcasts, including the European Basketball Championship of Maccabi Tel Aviv, the 1979 Eurovision held in Israel and the visit of Egyptian President Anwar Sadat to Israel.
Yael Arad Safada: “When your body faded in front of our eyes, our head did not digest, but the end was already present. You continued to plan the upcoming events, two weeks ago we met in London and could no longer walk. You insisted we go out to eat, and indeed we went out. But proud, inviting and accommodating. I dared to say things I did not say before, and how much you contributed to Israeli sports. You softened, and listened, gave some more important advice for life without betraying weakness. I went home, and knew I saw you for the last time. .
“Alex, you were a special person of your kind. I grew up on your broadcasts and your mythological declaration, ‘I do not believe, I do not believe, European Cup for Tel Aviv.’ “A lot. I will miss you very much, I miss you right now. Thank you Alex, on behalf of all Israeli sports, who salutes you.”
