Famous Israeli Journalists

Max Brod was a versatile professional, excelling as an author, composer, and journalist. He gained widespread recognition as the friend and biographer of renowned writer Franz Kafka. Despite his own prolific writing career, Brod is best known for his decision to defy Kafka's wishes and publish his works after his death. Brod's commitment to preserving Kafka's legacy was exemplified when he fled to Mandatory Palestine with a collection of Kafka's papers as the Nazis occupied Prague in 1939.

Gilad Shalit is a former soldier of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) who was captured by Palestinian militants in 2006 and held captive for over five years by Hamas until his release in a prisoner exchange deal in 2011. During his captivity, Shalit was denied visits from the Red Cross and communication with family members. He was eventually released in a negotiated agreement, becoming the first Israeli soldier captured by Palestinian militants in over a decade. Shalit held various ranks in the IDF, including Corporal, Staff Sergeant, and Sergeant First Class.

Meir Kahane was an American-born Israeli Orthodox rabbi, writer, and ultra-nationalist politician who founded the Israeli political party Kach. He co-founded the Jewish Defense League (JDL) and advocated for Jewish self-defense and against antisemitism. Kahane supported violence against perceived enemies of the Jewish people, called for mass Jewish migration to Israel, and endorsed restricting Israel's democracy to Jewish citizens. He was convicted of terrorism-related offenses in both the United States and Israel. Kahane served one term in the Knesset, where he proposed controversial laws emphasizing Judaism and segregating Jewish and Arab communities.

Rula Jebreal is a prominent Palestinian foreign policy analyst, journalist, novelist, and screenwriter holding dual Israeli and Italian citizenship. She has established herself as a respected commentator, having contributed her insights to major platforms such as MSNBC. With a diverse professional background, Jebreal is known for her expertise in international affairs and her compelling storytelling abilities through both the written word and on screen. Her work reflects a deep understanding of complex geopolitical issues and a commitment to sharing diverse perspectives with a global audience.

Gideon Levy is an Israeli journalist and author known for his work focusing on the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories. He writes opinion pieces and a weekly column for the newspaper Haaretz, addressing human rights issues in the occupied territories. Levy's articles have earned him prestigious awards, including Israel's top journalism honor, the Sokolov Award in 2021. Through his impactful reporting and advocacy for human rights, Levy has established himself as a prominent voice in Israeli media and a champion for social justice.

Rudolf Kastner, also known as Rezső Kasztner, was a Hungarian-Israeli journalist and lawyer. He played a significant role during the Holocaust, helping Jews escape occupied Europe on the Kastner train. Kastner was a leader of the Budapest Aid and Rescue Committee, smuggling Jewish refugees into Hungary during World War II. He negotiated with senior SS officer Adolf Eichmann to save 1,684 Jews by sending them to Switzerland in exchange for money, gold, and diamonds. After the war, Kastner moved to Israel and worked as a spokesman for the Ministry of Trade and Industry.

Raymonda Tawil is a prominent Palestinian writer and journalist known for her significant contributions to the field of literature and media. With a career spanning several decades, she has established herself as a respected voice in Palestinian society and beyond. Through her writing and journalism, Tawil has shed light on important social and political issues, offering unique perspectives and insights. Her work has garnered widespread recognition and has played a crucial role in shaping public discourse and understanding of the Palestinian experience.

Yossi Sarid had a distinguished career as an Israeli politician and news commentator. He served in the Knesset for several parties over a span of more than three decades. Sarid held key ministerial positions, including Minister of Education and Minister of the Environment. As the leader of Meretz, he was known for his unwavering moral principles and willingness to face political consequences for his beliefs. Sarid was recognized as a guiding force for ethical leadership in Israel, earning him the reputation of the country's moral compass.

Ghada Karmi is a distinguished Palestinian academic, physician, and author who has dedicated her career to addressing Palestinian issues. Through her insightful writings published in reputable newspapers and magazines such as The Guardian, The Nation, and Journal of Palestine Studies, Karmi has contributed significantly to raising awareness about the plight of the Palestinian people. Her expertise in the field has made her a respected voice in discussions surrounding Palestine, and her work continues to inform and shape conversations on this important topic.

Amira Hass is an Israeli journalist and author recognized for her insightful columns in Haaretz, focusing on Palestinian affairs in Gaza and the West Bank. With nearly three decades of experience, she brings a unique perspective to her reporting, having lived among the communities she covers. Her work sheds light on the complex political and social issues in the region, challenging conventional narratives and providing a voice to often marginalized populations. Hass's dedication to journalism has made her a respected figure in the field.

Tommy Lapid was a Yugoslav-born Israeli radio and television presenter, playwright, journalist, politician, and government minister. Known for his sharp tongue and acerbic wit, he led the secular-liberal Shinui party from 1999 to 2006. Lapid fiercely opposed ultra-Orthodox political parties and actively worked to keep religious observance separate from the legal structure of Israel. His professional life was marked by his dedication to liberal values, challenging conservatism, and advocating for a more secular government approach.

Said Hammami was a prominent Palestinian politician, diplomat, and journalist known for his work as the London representative of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). He played a key role in advocating for a two-state solution to the Question of Palestine and promoted co-existence between Palestinians and Israelis. Hammami's diplomatic efforts included establishing contacts with British politicians and journalists, as well as building relations with Israeli peace activists. Tragically, his career was cut short when he was assassinated in his London office in 1978 by a breakaway faction of the PLO.

Ze'ev Schiff was an Israeli journalist and military correspondent for Haaretz. He was a prolific writer, authoring books on topics such as Israel's Lebanon War and the Intifada. Schiff also served as a military correspondent in various countries and won several prestigious journalism prizes. Over the years, he held positions at esteemed institutions like the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, the Military Writers Association, the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, and the James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy. Schiff passed away in 2007 in Tel Aviv.

David Kimche was a prominent Israeli diplomat, serving as deputy director of the Mossad and engaging in journalism. His significant role in the Iran-Contra affair positioned him as a key intermediary between the United States and Iran. He held leadership positions, such as president of the Israel Council on Foreign Relations and member of the steering committee of the International Alliance for Arab-Israel Peace. Kimche's career showcased his expertise in international relations, intelligence, and diplomacy, making him a respected figure in the diplomatic and security realms.

Amos Elon was an Israeli journalist and author known for his insightful commentary on Israeli politics and society. He worked for several esteemed publications, including Haaretz, The New Yorker, and The New York Review of Books. Elon's writing was characterized by its depth, honesty, and critical analysis of Israeli history and current affairs. He was highly respected for his intellectual contributions to the public discourse in Israel and abroad, making a significant impact on the understanding of the region's complexities.