The journalist Amnon Dankner z"l passed away • Deri: "a close and special friend"

Journalist, author and Israeli veteran publicist Amnon Dankner died Shabbos at his home in Ramat Hasharon, at age 67. Dankner worked for newspapers 'Davar', 'Chadashot' and 'Haaretz' and at the peak of his career was editor of the Ma'ariv, for five years.

For a long time the medical personnel of Hatzalah struggled to save his life, until his death was determined.

Hatzalah Ramat Hasharon spokesman said: "Upon receiving the call I went out quickly with my motor-ambulance. When I arrived, I heard from his wife that she found him at home when he is unconscious, and it was unclear how long he was in that situation. I immediately began resuscitation and unfortunately after prolonged resuscitation he was pronounced dead. "

Dankner was born in Jerusalem in 1946. He studied in religious education settings and did his military service in the Nahal. Following his release, he studied law at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem.

He began his career in the public service, and in the early 70s served as the spokesman of the Ministry of Education, under Minister Yigal Allon. Then he continued in speaking, as a Jewish Agency spokesman. Then he went into the media.

Dankner was known for his contacts with Ehud Olmert, whom he strongly defended. He also came to the defense of Aryeh Deri after being convicted.

He wrote books on various topics.

Finance Minister Yair Lapid, a good friend, eulogized Dankner. "I'm angry with him, we could have had another 10 or even 15 years of Dankner," he wrote in his Facebook page.

"I know all the history of Dankner convictions, and like every chapter of it, but what his smacking and righteous victims never understood, is that this tendency of his, into which all the power of non void of personality bursts, was actually the product of a worldview that said - really good people do not shy away from wars only because there is no chance of winning.

"What magnificent wars they were! Don Quixote riding alone against the unsustainable myth of Dan Ben Amotz; silly protection of Aryeh Deri, overwhelming waste of talent in the killing fields of Ma'ariv during the Nimrodi family days, lining up with Olmert on the last hill, manning the last words of the machine gun, of the Israeli public."

Aryeh Deri wrote on Motzei Shabbos in his Facebook page: "On Shabbos a near and dear friend of mine, Amnon Dankner z"l died unexpectedly. We had a long talk recently and arranged to meet early this week; I never thought this would be the nature of the meeting.

"Amnon was a true friend, but more than a friend, he was a man of truth, a man who was not afraid to never say what is in his heart, Amnon belonged to extinct species of the brave and talented, if they were not there we would have had to invent them.

"Amnon died relatively young but managed to do in his lifetime what old would not do for many years, the best go fast unfortunately. Condolences to his wife Miri, his children and grandchildren. May his memory be blessed."

Avodah Party leader Shelly Yachimovich, a former colleague, wrote: "Amnon Dankner was a writer, journalist, commentator, editor - what not. Bursting with talent and wit, intelligent and multi-knowledge in any field, with an amazing sense of humor, razor-sharp tongue, a rare writing skills, and personal turmoil. We knew each other well and we were friends as journalists. Strong common thread between us was Tommy Lapid, who was indeed a sharp ideological nemesis of mine, but a very close friend. Dankner and I did not agree on almost anything, but people like him, you can fight a good fight but never underestimate them - make life interesting, entertaining and richer. He was a father and a devoted husband, and a loyal and loving friend. May his memory be blessed.

Dankner's close friend, former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, said that only on Friday he spoke with Dankner and he was at his best. In an interview with the B network Olmert added that Amnon Dankner was a lively man, with rare intellectual curiosity, and an amazing knowledge of diverse areas.

'בחדרי' גם ברשתות החברתיות - הצטרפו!