Tzvi Yehezkeli in a Personal and Surprising Interview

For many of us, the life of TV personality Tzvi Yehezkeli seems to constantly balance between secular and religious worlds, Torah life and media, between Israeli and Arab societies, and between being a devoted family man and a successful career.

In recent years, as a veteran reporter on Arab affairs for Channel 10, Yehezkeli has undergone a significant transformation by becoming observant. In an interview with 'Israel Hayom', he candidly spoke about his personal journey towards Judaism.

Yehezkeli described a turning point about 12 years ago, after the Second Lebanon War, when he decided to take a five-week trip to India, with a brief stop in Uman. "In Uman, I found myself at a Shabbat table and was struck by the glow and happiness of the religious people. I told myself that this is the life I want for myself—a home with proper boundaries for my future children, away from valueless TV reality."

Returning to Israel, he stopped working on Shabbat and started seeking a serious relationship leading to a kosher home. He met his wife, Meital Cohen, through a mutual friend; she also was on a similar spiritual path. Six months later, they married and now live in Gush Etzion with their five children.

Yehezkeli reminisces about his past before becoming observant, and his search for a genuine relationship, which was only truly fulfilled when he embraced religious observance. He says he used to lead a boundary-less life but found true meaning later.

As a present-day family man without a TV at home, Yehezkeli shares how he explains his work to his children, who occasionally visit his workplace and understand his unique role.

He reflects on his internal struggle and why he chooses to maintain his religious values in the media. "I don't consume media but feel my mission is to shed light in the darkness, enlightening viewers."

He recalls initial reluctance to publicly display his religious changes but later decided to let his spiritual side be visible, including growing a beard during filming a series. "Appearance isn't as important as the inner transformation."

Maintaining Boundaries in the TV Industry

Yehezkeli discusses his career post-observance, facing criticism yet staying true to his beliefs, especially regarding physical contact in his field. "I explain upfront about my no-handshake rule, and surprisingly, many wish their husbands were similar."

Yehezkeli also reflects on singer Yonatan Razel's decision to cover his eyes when performing for women, seeing merit in such devotion despite public reactions.

His perspective on controversial public works on Shabbat showcases his deep respect for Shabbat and its sanctity.

Finally, Yehezkeli finds no longing for his past life, now valuing acts of kindness and living with purpose. He identifies closely with Rabbi Nachman of Breslev's teachings, choosing not to label himself by one religious stream, but embraces his current life with gratitude and joy.

Concluding his daily routines, he describes nightly spiritual retreats, finding rejuvenation in solitude and prayer, ensuring vanity doesn't overshadow his service to his family and Hashem, keeping pride at bay.