English-born journalist David Landau, 67, died in Jerusalem this afternoon after succumbing to illness. He served as editor-in-chief of "Haaretz" between 2004 and 2008, after having set up its English-language edition. Previously he had served as managing editor of the "Jerusalem Post." He will also be remembered as the first Israeli journalist to interview the then Egyptian President Anwar Sadat.
Born and raised in London, he began his journalistic career as a volunteer for the Jerusalem Post in 1967. An Orthodox Jew, he was known for his outspoken left-wing views.
Landau was in recent years correspondent of The Economist in Israel, and the author of a 2014 biography of Ariel Sharon and other books on Israel including a biography of David Ben Gurion and books about Shimon Peres.
Haaretz editor-in-chief Aluf Benn said, “David was a reporter through and through, always on the hunt for a better story. He guided the paper through the Gaza disengagement and the Second Lebanon War, guided by his moral compass, seeking to end the occupation even through political detours. Our joint trips with the prime minister’s entourage were among the best in my years of covering the diplomatic beat. David led us to big scoops on the way.”
Landau is survived by his wife Jackie their three children, and eight grandchildren. His funeral will take place at Jerusalem's Har Menuchot cemetery on Wednesday.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on January 27, 2015
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