Israel Hayom photographer Miri Tzachi passed away on Tuesday at the age of 66 following a long struggle with a terminal disease.
Tzachi was most renowned for her wonderful depictions of everyday life in Judea and Samaria.
Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook and Twitter
In 2019, Tzachi published a photography book titled "Land in the Heart of Man."
Describing her path as a photo-journalist Tzachi once said: "At the beginning, I was a news photographer, but in the 2000s the Second Intifada erupted, and I became dedicated. I found myself in Judea and Samaria almost on a daily basis and documenting life there from every angle. Anything I felt was interesting, different, I would photograph. Not just the terrorist attacks and violence, but also parents with their children, nature and wildlife, everything and anything in this magical region.
"I chose to show life in the region from a completely different perspective, which is almost never documented. Most of the time, this area is only presented when there are terrorist attacks or violence, and I know there are completely different aspects of life, humanity, of a mother playing with her girls or families that live in strange houses, in caves, or even an old bus. And that's all the magic."
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said following Tzachi's passing: "I wish to send my heartfelt condolences to the family and many friends of the wonderful photographer Miri Tzachi… Miri had an extraordinary talent for capturing moments and people with her lens, which many before her were unable to document. May her memory be a blessing."
President Reuven Rivlin also offered his condolences, saying Tzachi was "beloved" and will be sorely missed.
"No visit to the settlements was complete without you. I deferred to you every time you would say: 'Hold on a second, Rubi, there's one more beautiful frame, don't go. I'm hurting over your loss. You will always be in my heart."
Yamina leader Naftali Bennett wrote on Twitter: "Miri was a special soul, a photo-journalist, idealistic, with a huge heart. Alongside her professionalism of the highest order, she was a person with a good heart who helped others endlessly."
Gush Etzion Regional Council head Shlomo Ne'eman called Tzachi's passing "a tremendous loss for the settlement enterprise."
"Miri was the photographer of Judea and Samaria. She was silently and modestly present at all the historic events of the settlement enterprise, and Gush Etzion, in particular, was like a home to her. Miri left behind an immense legacy of rare photographs that tell the story of our revival in Judea and Samaria. We had the privilege of knowing the pioneering and talented Miri."
Details pertaining to Tzachi's funeral arrangements were still forthcoming as of this writing. May her memory be a blessing.
Subscribe to Israel Hayom's daily newsletter and never miss our top stories!