Famous Israeli Intellectuals & Academics

Daniel Kahneman was an influential Israeli-American psychologist renowned for his groundbreaking work in the fields of judgment, decision-making, and behavioral economics. He challenged the traditional notion of human rationality in economic theory and was awarded the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences in 2002. Together with Amos Tversky, he established the cognitive basis for common human errors stemming from heuristics and biases, leading to the development of prospect theory. Kahneman's book "Thinking, Fast and Slow" became a bestseller, summarizing his extensive research and solidifying his reputation as a pioneer in behavioral economics.

Immanuel Velikovsky was a Russian-American psychoanalyst, writer, and catastrophist known for his controversial theories on ancient history. He authored several books, with his bestseller "Worlds in Collision" published in 1950. Utilizing comparative mythology and ancient texts, Velikovsky argued that Earth experienced catastrophic encounters with other planets in the past. He proposed a revised chronology for ancient civilizations and suggested that electromagnetic effects are significant in celestial mechanics. Despite academic rejection, his work found popularity in non-academic circles, leading to the "Velikovsky affair" controversy.

Benzion Netanyahu was a prominent Polish-born Israeli encyclopedist, historian, and medievalist known for his expertise in Judaic history, particularly focusing on the history of Jews in Spain. He served as a distinguished professor of history at Cornell University and was actively involved in the Revisionist Zionism movement, advocating for the establishment of the Jewish state. Netanyahu also played a key role as an editor of the Hebrew Encyclopedia and as an assistant to Ze'ev Jabotinsky's personal secretary, Benjamin Azkin.

Stanley Fischer is an Israeli-American economist who has held significant roles in various prestigious institutions. He served as the 20th Vice Chair of the Federal Reserve from 2014 to 2017 and as the 8th Governor of the Bank of Israel from 2005 to 2013. Prior to these positions, Fischer was the First Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund and the Chief Economist of the World Bank. He is currently a senior advisor at BlackRock. Fischer's career has been marked by his expertise and leadership in the field of economics.

Amos Tversky was an Israeli cognitive and mathematical psychologist known for his groundbreaking work on human cognitive bias and risk assessment. He co-authored the influential treatise "Foundations of Measurement" and collaborated closely with Daniel Kahneman to develop prospect theory, a key concept in behavioral economics. His research on prediction, probability judgment, and irrational economic choices has had a lasting impact. Tversky's collaborations extended to other renowned researchers, and his contributions have been recognized with high citations and posthumous accolades.

Cyril of Jerusalem was a theologian of the Early Church who succeeded Maximus as Bishop of Jerusalem around the end of AD 350. He faced exile multiple times due to conflicts with Acacius of Caesarea and various emperors. Cyril is known for his important writings on catechumen instruction and the order of the Liturgy during his time. He is revered as a saint in several Christian denominations, including the Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Church, Oriental Orthodox Church, and Anglican Communion, and was declared a Doctor of the Church in 1883 by Pope Leo XIII.

Isaac Luria was a prominent rabbi and Jewish mystic in Safed, Ottoman Syria. He is known as the father of contemporary Kabbalah and his teachings, known as Lurianic Kabbalah, have had a lasting impact. Despite his minimal literary output, his spiritual influence was vast, leading to the compilation of his oral teachings by his disciples. Luria's customs were closely followed and adopted by many. He passed away in Safed and is buried at the Old Jewish Cemetery, with the Ari Ashkenazi Synagogue built in his memory.

Erich Neumann was a renowned German psychologist, philosopher, and writer known for his extensive work as a student of Carl Jung. He made significant contributions to the field of analytical psychology, focusing on the study of the human psyche and the collective unconscious. Neumann's professional life was characterized by his in-depth exploration of psychological phenomena, symbolism, and myth, which has had a lasting impact on the understanding of human behavior and the development of psychoanalytic theory.

William of Tyre was a medieval prelate and chronicler known for his work during the Kingdom of Jerusalem. He served as Archbishop of Tyre, tutor to the future King Baldwin IV, and chancellor of the kingdom. William played a key role in diplomatic missions, including as an ambassador to the Byzantine Empire and leading an eastern delegation to the Third Council of the Lateran. He authored a renowned history of the Kingdom of Jerusalem and other works, showcasing his expertise in Latin and classical literature.

Shimon bar Yochai, also known as Rabbi Shimon, was a highly respected 2nd-century tanna and disciple of Rabbi Akiva in Roman Judaea and early Syria Palaestina. He is attributed with essential legal works such as the Sifre and Mekhilta. Although the Zohar is traditionally ascribed to him by Kabbalistic tradition, modern scholars reject this claim. Shimon bar Yochai is noted in Mishnah as the fourth-most mentioned sage and is revered in kabbalistic tradition alongside his son Eleazar ben Simeon. They are believed to be buried together in Meron, Israel.

Gershom Scholem was a German-born Israeli philosopher and historian known as the founder of modern academic study of the Kabbalah. He was the first professor of Jewish mysticism at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Scholem dedicated his career to recovering and organizing sacred texts of Jewish mysticism that had been scattered and lost due to historical events like the Holocaust. His efforts, along with those of his students and colleagues, significantly remedied the confusion surrounding Kabbalistic bibliography and provenance, contributing to the revival of this important tradition.

Robert Aumann is an Israeli-American mathematician known for his groundbreaking work in game theory. He is a professor at the Center for the Study of Rationality in the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and holds a visiting position at Stony Brook University. Aumann is a founding member of the Stony Brook Center for Game Theory. He received the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences in 2005 for his research on conflict and cooperation using game theory analysis, sharing the prize with Thomas Schelling.

Reuven Feuerstein was a prominent Israeli clinical, developmental, and cognitive psychologist known for his groundbreaking work in the field of intelligence. He developed theories and systems such as structural cognitive modifiability, mediated learning experience, and instrumental enrichment programs, which have been widely implemented in educational settings worldwide. As the founder and director of the International Center for the Enhancement of Learning Potential in Jerusalem, Feuerstein's work has had a significant impact on enhancing cognitive functions and meta-cognition among students through systematic approaches and tools.

Benny Morris is an Israeli historian known for his work on the Arab-Israeli conflict and Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He was a professor of history at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and was part of the group of Israeli historians called the "New Historians." Morris has been both praised and criticized for his research, with an ideological shift noted in his work around the Second Intifada. Despite identifying as a Zionist, Morris emphasizes a commitment to understanding historical events without political bias.

Dan Ariely is a prominent Israeli-American professor and author known for his work in psychology and behavioral economics at Duke University. He is a co-founder of companies that apply behavioral science principles. Ariely has authored several best-selling books, including "Predictably Irrational," "The Upside of Irrationality," and "The Honest Truth about Dishonesty." He also co-produced a documentary on dishonesty. Despite a retraction of a paper due to falsified data, a subsequent investigation found no evidence of Ariely's knowing involvement. His work inspired the NBC television series, "The Irrational," based on his research and life.

Amos Oz was an Israeli writer, novelist, journalist, and intellectual known for his advocacy of a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He served as a professor of Hebrew literature at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. With a prolific career spanning 40 books in various genres, Oz's works have been translated into 45 languages, making him the most widely translated Israeli writer. He received numerous prestigious awards, including the Israel Prize, the Legion of Honour of France, and the Goethe Prize, solidifying his reputation as a respected intellectual in Israel and beyond.

Raphael Mechoulam was a prominent Bulgarian-born Israeli organic chemist and professor at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. He served as the university's Rector and was elected to the Israel Academy of Sciences and Humanities. Mechoulam's groundbreaking research, notably with Y. Gaoni, led to the isolation of THC, the main active component in cannabis. His work extended to identifying endogenous cannabinoids like anandamide and 2-AG, contributing to the discovery of the endocannabinoid system with significant implications for human health.

Yehuda Bauer is a prominent Czech-born Israeli historian and scholar specializing in Holocaust studies. He serves as a professor at the Avraham Harman Institute of Contemporary Jewry at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Bauer's work has focused on the Holocaust and its implications, contributing significantly to the field of genocide studies. However, his stance on the Bosnian genocide has been controversial, as he has been criticized for denying the genocide in Srebrenica, asserting it was an act of mass murder rather than genocide.

Joseph Raz was an Israeli legal, moral, and political philosopher known for his advocacy of legal positivism and his conception of perfectionist liberalism. He held positions as a professor of philosophy of law at Balliol College, Oxford, and as a part-time professor of law at Columbia University Law School and King's College London. Throughout his career, Raz made significant contributions to the field of philosophy, particularly in the areas of law and political theory, and was recognized with prestigious awards such as the Tang Prize in Rule of Law in 2018.

Yitzhak Ben-Zvi was a historian, ethnologist, Labor Zionist leader, and the longest-serving President of Israel. He conducted extensive research on Jewish communities in the Land of Israel, focusing on Mizrahi, Sephardic Jewish, and Samaritan communities. Ben-Zvi preserved oral histories, gathered firsthand accounts, and published numerous books and articles shedding light on their traditions, language, folklore, and religious practices. His work at the Ben-Zvi Institute continues to be essential for research on Jewish communities in the Middle East.

Avram Hershko is a Hungarian-Israeli biochemist renowned for his groundbreaking contributions to the field of biochemistry. He received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2004 for his discovery of the ubiquitin-proteasome system, a crucial mechanism responsible for protein degradation in cells. Hershko's research has significantly advanced our understanding of cellular processes and their implications for various diseases. Throughout his career, he has made significant strides in elucidating the molecular mechanisms that underlie protein degradation, earning him international recognition and acclaim in the scientific community.

Martin van Creveld is an Israeli military historian and theorist renowned for his contributions to the field. He has authored numerous books on military strategy, history, and theory, earning international acclaim for his insightful analysis and thought-provoking perspectives. Van Creveld's work has influenced military thought and practice worldwide, shaping discussions on topics such as asymmetrical warfare, the evolution of warfare, and the role of technology in modern conflicts. His expertise and scholarship have established him as a prominent figure in the study of military history and strategy.

Al-Maqdisi was a medieval Palestinian Arab geographer renowned for his works Aḥsan al-taqāsīm fī maʿrifat al-aqālīm and Description of Syria (Including Palestine). He was among the first to self-identify as Palestinian during his travels. His detailed geographical studies provided valuable insights into the regions he explored. Through his writings, Al-Maqdisi contributed significantly to the understanding of geography and cultural landscapes of various areas, leaving a lasting impact on the field of geography and historical studies.

Yigael Yadin was a prominent Israeli archaeologist, soldier, and politician. He served as the second Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces, where he played a crucial role in shaping the military's strategies and operations. Yadin was also a respected archaeologist who led numerous excavations in Israel, uncovering significant historical artifacts and sites. Additionally, he served as Deputy Prime Minister of Israel from 1977 to 1981, contributing to the country's political landscape with his leadership and expertise.

Ghada Karmi is a Palestinian-born academic, physician, and author known for her insightful writings on Palestinian issues. She has contributed articles to prominent publications such as The Guardian, The Nation, and Journal of Palestine Studies, showcasing her expertise and passion for raising awareness about the Palestinian cause. Karmi's work reflects a deep commitment to advocating for justice and human rights, making her a respected figure in the academic and literary world for her contributions to the discourse on Middle Eastern politics and the Palestinian struggle.

Benjamin Mazar was a pioneering Israeli historian and archaeologist, known as the "dean" of biblical archaeologists. He conducted notable excavations in Israel, including the largest catacombs at Beit She'arim and the site of Tell Qasile. Mazar was an expert in biblical history and Assyriology, authoring over 100 publications on the subject. He played a key role in developing the field of historical geography in Israel and served as a professor at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Mazar's leadership and academic contributions helped elevate the university's standing globally.

Eliane Chantal Karp Fernenbug de Toledo is a Peruvian anthropologist who served as the First Lady of Peru from 2001 to 2006. She is known for her expertise in the study of Andean indigenous cultures. Karp's professional life has been focused on research and advocacy for the rights and preservation of indigenous communities in Peru. She has dedicated her career to understanding and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Andean region, contributing significantly to the field of anthropology through her work.

Avigdor Arikha was a prolific artist, printmaker, and art historian known for his distinctive style and contributions to the art world. Born in Romania and later settling in France and Israel, Arikha's career spanned several decades and encompassed a wide range of artistic endeavors. He gained recognition for his mastery of various mediums, particularly in printmaking, and his deep understanding of art history. Arikha's work reflected a unique blend of tradition and innovation, earning him a lasting legacy in the art community.

Bracha Lichtenberg Ettinger is an Israeli-French artist, writer, psychoanalyst, and philosopher based in Paris. She is known for her contributions to feminist theory and contemporary New European Painting. Ettinger is the creator of the Matrixial Gaze concept, focusing on trauma, aesthetics, and ethics. She holds teaching positions at the European Graduate School in Switzerland and GCAS in Dublin. In 2023, she participated in the Finding Committee for Documenta's 2027 edition, resigning to spark a radical discussion in the art world.

Shlomo Sand, an Israeli Emeritus Professor of History, has made significant contributions to academia through his research and teachings at Tel Aviv University. His expertise lies in the field of history, particularly focusing on the history of ideas and nations. Sand is recognized for his critical analysis of historical narratives and his exploration of identity and nationalism. Through his work, he has challenged conventional historical interpretations, sparking important discussions and debates within the academic community. Sand's scholarly pursuits have had a lasting impact on the study of history.

Eleazar Lipa Sukenik was a prominent Israeli archaeologist and professor at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. He played a key role in establishing the Department of Archaeology at the university and was among the first academics to acknowledge the significance of the Dead Sea Scrolls. Sukenik led the excavation of the Third Wall of ancient Jerusalem and served as the director of the Museum of Jewish Antiquities at the Hebrew University. His contributions to archaeology and academia have left a lasting impact on the field.

Tanya Reinhart, an Israeli linguist and political activist, had a distinguished career in academia. An alumna of MIT, she taught at Tel Aviv University for over 20 years and was affiliated with the University of Utrecht for 15 years. Renowned for her work in linguistics, Reinhart was a respected figure in the field. Her contributions to language studies, along with her academic affiliations and political activism, solidified her legacy as a prominent and influential scholar.

Sophia Getzowa was a prominent pathologist and scientist, known for her groundbreaking research on the thyroid, including the identification of solid cell nests (SCN). Despite facing challenges due to her identity as a Jewish woman and foreigner, she worked in various locations in Switzerland and Paris before being hired as a pathologist at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in 1925. With Albert Einstein's recommendation, she became the university's first female professor in 1927. Throughout her career, she collaborated with numerous European scientists before retiring in 1940.

Elias Sanbar is a prominent figure in Palestinian academia, literature, and diplomacy. Serving as the Palestinian ambassador to UNESCO since 2012, he has been instrumental in advocating for Palestinian rights on the international stage. As a historian, essayist, poet, and translator, Sanbar has significantly contributed to the understanding and promotion of Palestinian culture and identity. His founding of the esteemed journal Revue d'études palestiniennes, editorship for 25 years, and award-winning book The Palestinians underscore his profound impact on scholarly discourse surrounding Palestine. Additionally, his translation of Mahmoud Darwish's poetry into French has further amplified Palestinian voices globally.

Nurit Peled-Elhanan is an Israeli philologist and professor of language and education at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. She is also a translator and activist. Notably, she was a co-laureate of the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought in 2001. Peled-Elhanan is known for her research on the portrayal of Palestinians in Israeli textbooks, critiquing them for being anti-Palestinian. She is a supporter of the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement.

Reviel Netz is an Israeli scholar specializing in the history of pre-modern mathematics. He is a professor at Stanford University, where he has been teaching since 1999. Netz obtained his doctorate from Christ College, Cambridge University in 1995 and has since worked on various research projects and publications, including significant works such as The Archimedes Palimpsest and The Archimedes Codex. His research interests encompass the history of cognitive practices, visual culture, literacy, and numeracy, earning him recognition and awards for his contributions to the field.