Famous Israeli Media Personalities

Nuseir Yassin, also known as Nas Daily, is an Israeli-Palestinian vlogger who has gained widespread popularity for his daily one-minute videos on social media platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram. Through his engaging and informative content, Nas Daily has amassed a large following and has become a prominent figure in the world of digital media. His videos cover a wide range of topics and showcase his talent for storytelling and connecting with audiences from diverse backgrounds.

Max Brod was a multifaceted figure in the literary world, known for his roles as an author, composer, and journalist. However, he is most renowned for his close association with writer Franz Kafka. Brod served as Kafka's friend and biographer, defying Kafka's wish to destroy his unpublished works and instead having them published posthumously. Fleeing the Nazi occupation, Brod relocated to Mandatory Palestine, bringing along Kafka's valuable papers, including unpublished writings, diaries, and sketches, ensuring the preservation of Kafka's legacy.

Meir David HaKohen Kahane was an American-born Israeli Orthodox rabbi, writer, and ultra-nationalist politician. He founded the Kach political party and co-founded the Jewish Defense League (JDL). Known for his strong stance against antisemitism, Kahane organized defense squads, demanded Soviet emigration rights for Jews, and supported violence against perceived Jewish enemies. He advocated for Jewish mass migration to Israel, restricted democracy to Jewish citizens, and endorsed the annexation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip. His Kahanism ideology aimed to enforce Jewish law in Israel, proposing strict measures towards non-Jewish residents.

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 2011. During his captivity, he was denied visits from the Red Cross and communication with family members. Shalit's release was secured through a negotiated agreement, wherein over 1,000 Palestinian prisoners were exchanged for his freedom. He is the first Israeli soldier captured by Palestinian militants since 1994 and holds dual Israeli and French citizenship.

Rula Jebreal is a prominent Palestinian foreign policy analyst, journalist, novelist, and screenwriter with dual Israeli and Italian citizenship. She has made significant contributions to the field of international relations through her insightful analyses and commentary. Jebreal's work has been recognized for its depth and impact, particularly during her time as a commentator for MSNBC. Her expertise and unique perspective have helped shape discussions on various global issues, making her a respected figure in the media and academic circles.

Ivan Andreyevich Urgant is a prominent Russian television host, presenter, and actor known for his roles in the Yolki film series and Lucky Trouble. He gained widespread recognition as the host of the late-night talk show, Evening Urgant, which aired from 2012 to 2022. Urgant has been consistently voted as Russia's most popular TV presenter in surveys conducted in 2008 and 2011. Additionally, he serves as the chairman of the board of trustees of the Friends Charitable Foundation, showcasing his commitment to philanthropy.

Rudolf Kastner was a Hungarian-Israeli journalist and lawyer known for his role in aiding Jewish refugees during the Holocaust. He was a leader of the Budapest Aid and Rescue Committee, which helped smuggle Jews into Hungary. Kastner negotiated with SS officer Adolf Eichmann to save 1,684 Jews on the Kastner train bound for Switzerland in exchange for valuables. After the war, he moved to Israel and worked as a spokesman for the Ministry of Trade and Industry. Kastner faced accusations of collaboration with the Nazis, leading to a controversial trial and assassination in 1957.

Gideon Levy is an Israeli journalist and author known for his opinion pieces and weekly column in the newspaper Haaretz, where he often discusses the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories. Levy has received accolades for his articles on human rights issues in the occupied territories, including winning Israel's prestigious Sokolov Award for journalism in 2021. His work is distinguished by its focus on social justice and human rights, making him a prominent figure in the field of journalism in Israel.

Raymonda Tawil is a prominent Palestinian writer and journalist known for her insightful contributions to literature and media. With a career spanning several decades, she has made significant strides in advocating for Palestinian rights through her writings and reporting. Tawil's work has garnered attention for its depth and perspective on various social and political issues, earning her a reputation as a respected voice in the Palestinian community and beyond. She continues to inspire and inform audiences with her thought-provoking work.

Yossi Sarid was an Israeli politician and news commentator known for his determined moral stance and willingness to pay the political price for his convictions. He served as a member of the Knesset for the Alignment, Ratz, and Meretz between 1974 and 2006. Sarid held positions as Minister of Education and Minister of the Environment, led Meretz from 1996 to 2003, and served as Leader of the Opposition from 2001 to 2003. He was often recognized as Israel's moral compass for his principled leadership.

Ghada Karmi is a Palestinian-born academic, physician, and author known for her extensive work 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 dedication to raising awareness about the Palestinian cause. Karmi's writings reflect her deep insights and analysis of the political, social, and humanitarian aspects of the Palestinian struggle, making her a respected voice in the academic and journalistic spheres.

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. She has resided in these areas for nearly three decades, providing firsthand reporting and analysis on the political, social, and humanitarian issues affecting the Palestinian population. Through her work, Hass has developed a reputation for her in-depth understanding of the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and her commitment to shedding light on the daily experiences of Palestinians living under occupation.

Amos Kenan was a versatile Israeli artist known for his work as a columnist, painter, sculptor, playwright, and novelist. His professional life was marked by a diverse range of creative endeavors, showcasing his talent and passion for the arts. As a columnist, he shared his unique perspectives on various topics, while his work as a painter and sculptor allowed him to express himself visually. Additionally, his contributions to the fields of playwriting and novel writing added depth and dimension to his artistic legacy.

Said Hammami was a prominent Palestinian politician, diplomat, and journalist who served as the London representative of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) from 1972 until his assassination in 1978. He played a significant role in promoting co-existence between Palestinians and Israelis, advocating for a two-state solution to the Question of Palestine. Hammami's diplomatic efforts included establishing contacts with British politicians and journalists, as well as fostering relations with Israeli peace activists. His assassination in 1978 was attributed to Abu Nidal's breakaway faction of the PLO.

Ze'ev Schiff was a prominent Israeli journalist and military correspondent known for his expertise in Middle Eastern affairs and military history. He authored several books on topics such as Israel's Lebanon War and the Intifada. Throughout his career, Schiff reported from various conflict zones including Vietnam, the Soviet Union, Cyprus, and Ethiopia. He received multiple prestigious awards for his journalistic contributions and held positions at esteemed institutions such as the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. His legacy continues to influence the field of military journalism.

Tommy Lapid was a Yugoslav-born Israeli radio and television presenter, playwright, journalist, politician, and government minister. He was known for his sharp tongue and acerbic wit. Lapid headed the secular-liberal Shinui party and fiercely opposed ultra-Orthodox political parties, advocating for the exclusion of religious observance from the Israeli State's legal structure. Throughout his career, he played a significant role in Israeli politics, aiming to promote his secular-liberal views and challenge the influence of religious parties in the government.

David Kimche was a prominent Israeli diplomat, serving as deputy director of the Mossad and a key figure in various international affairs. He played a significant role in facilitating communications between the United States and Iran during the Iran-Contra affair. Kimche's expertise led him to hold 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. His career showcased his dedication to diplomacy, intelligence, and peace-building efforts in the Middle East.

Amos Elon was a prominent Israeli journalist and author known for his insightful and critical writings. He made significant contributions to the field of journalism through his work in various publications, including Haaretz and The New York Times. Elon was highly respected for his analysis of Israeli politics, history, and society, providing valuable perspectives on complex issues. His writing style was characterized by clarity, depth, and intellectual rigor, earning him a reputation as a thought-provoking and influential figure in Israeli media.