Reshet Gimel Founder and Composer Gilad Ben Shach Dies at 85

Composer and radio editor Gilad Ben Shach, one of the founders of Reshet Gimel, has passed away at the age of 85. Ben Shach served as the head of the entertainment department at the station upon its establishment in the summer of 1976 and edited numerous programs in the decades that followed. His funeral will take place tomorrow at 11:30 AM at the Gedera cemetery.

Born in Gedera, Ben Shach was the eldest son of Batya Shekevitz and Yehuda Ben Shach, a journalist, writer, and poet who wrote under the pen name Yehuda HaGidrati. He began his musical journey in the 1960s, composing and translating songs for Ilan and Ilanit and other prominent performers. Ben Shach composed songs for the legendary duo including 'LeChol Adam Kochav', 'Dapei Yoman', and 'Sigaliyot', as well as 'Yom Shel Hidot' performed by Ilanit during her solo career.

In the late 1960s, Ben Shach joined Kol Yisrael, where he served as the first musical editor of the program 'BeHetzi Hayom' and edited shows such as 'Kesset VeAfrekeset' and 'Oti Ze Matz'hiq'. Following the establishment of Reshet Gimel, alongside his role as entertainment manager, he edited iconic programs like 'Al Batoah', 'Agadat Deshe', and 'Maraton HaGashash HaHiver'. He also edited major song anthologies, including 'Tsiyonion HaDerekh' and '50 Shana 50 Shirim', as well as the Ein Gev Festival.