Haim has passed away. That phrase, seemingly remote and inconceivable not so long ago, has become a painful reality. All who knew and esteemed this wonderful man, and the many who loved to boast "I am a friend of Haim's", are aware how great a vacuum he leaves behind, what a rent is torn in the fabric of our lives.
Many people took credit for the success of "Globes" in becoming an established Israeli newspaper. But make no mistake, Haim was the man to whom, more than all others, "Globes" owed its success. It was Haim who, a year after the newspaper first appeared, and when it was on the verge of being closed down, took it into his hands, determined to make a success of it. He always made the right decisions and took the necessary steps for carving out "Globes"' niche in the Israeli press. All by virtue of his talent, common sense, enlightenment and charisma.
Publishing is a profession calling for qualities that not many people possess. Haim was a fair-dealing, enlightened publisher, and in the media business, those are by no means obvious attributes.
Haim was taken from us just when his professional career had reached new heights. He was publisher and general manager of "Globes", a partner in cable TV companies and other media activities, and recently also in "Yediot Ahronot". There was so much more leeway for his skills, things he wanted to do, and now never will.
However much he might branch out in other directions, for Haim, "Globes" was home. He was the paper's most faithful reader. He was always there when he was needed, with good advice, with the correct perception, with wisdom, with homespun common sense. Which is why he will be so sorely missed. Which is why the thought will so frequently arise: what would Haim do in this situation? how would he handle this?
We have lost a leader, we are bereft of a friend.
We will never forget you, Haim Bar-On.
Published by Israel's Business Arena February 15, 1998