Man killed by tree collapse named as Prof. Motti Golani, senior British Mandate historian

The victim of a tree collapse in a northern nature reserve yesterday has been identified as Prof. Motti Golani, a senior historian at Tel Aviv University who specialized in the British Mandate, and former head of TAU’s Chaim Weizmann Institute for the Study of Zionism and Israel.

Golani was critically injured when a tree collapsed on him and others during a family outing at HaShofet Stream. A woman and an infant were lightly hurt.

The three were rushed to hospital, where Golani died of his injuries.

"למדתי לאהוב את הספריה והארכיון, אך יותר מהם לאהוב בני אדם, את היכולת להלך בין שפת הלומדים והחוקרים. למדתי שאין שאלה שאסור לשאול, גם אם יש תשובות שאי אפשר לתת. למדתי ללכת רחוק כדי להביט קרוב. למדתי ללמוד. והטיפוס נמשך" (מוטי גולני, עם פרישתו, 2024. אתמול נהרג. צילום: מגד גוזני) pic.twitter.com/IC10viCni4

— Ofer Aderet עופר אדרת (@oferaderet) April 26, 2025

In a statement, Tel Aviv University expresses “deep sorrow and great pain” over Golani’s death.

“His rich and original work left a profound mark on the world of research and on public discourse in Israel. As a scholar, teacher, and academic leader, he was a central figure in our community,” it says.

“Beyond being a man of vast knowledge and a devoted academic in every sense, Professor Golani was a wonderful person, a beloved friend, and a revered figure in the university community, which now bows its head in deep mourning. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and all who loved him.”