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Yossi SaridIsraeli politician, statesman, journalist
Date of Birth: 24.10.1940
Country:  Israel |
Content:
- Yosef (Yossi) Sarid: A Force for Peace and Civil Rights
- Early Life and Career
- Entry into Politics
- Territorial concessions in exchange for peace with Arab countries
- Advocacy for a secular state and opposition to religious dictation
- Chairmanship and Ministerial Positions
- Head of Opposition and Election Defeats
- Post-Political Life
Yosef (Yossi) Sarid: A Force for Peace and Civil Rights
Yosef Sarid, an esteemed Israeli politician, statesman, and journalist, has left an indelible mark on the Israeli political landscape. Over nine terms in the Knesset (from 1974 to 2006), Sarid championed territorial concessions for peace, civil rights for all citizens, and the separation of religion and state.
Early Life and Career
Born to parents who immigrated from Russia, Sarid graduated from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem with degrees in literature and philosophy. His journalistic career included stints as a correspondent for Israel Radio and a press secretary for the Mapai party. He also served in the army as both an artillery officer and a military correspondent.
Entry into Politics
In 1974, Sarid entered the Knesset as a member of Mapai. His key principles included:
Territorial concessions in exchange for peace with Arab countries
Protection of the rights of all Israeli citizens, including minorities
Advocacy for a secular state and opposition to religious dictation
Leadership and Coalition BuildingIn 1984, Sarid was re-elected to the Knesset from Mapai but later joined the Citizens' Rights Movement (Ratz) led by Shulamit Aloni. Ahead of the 1992 parliamentary elections, Sarid played a pivotal role in creating Meretz, an electoral alliance of left-wing Zionist parties. In Yitzhak Rabin's government, Meretz was included, and Sarid served as Minister of the Environment.
Chairmanship and Ministerial Positions
In the following Knesset term (1996-99), Sarid served on several committees, including Foreign Affairs and Defense. In 1996, Meretz became a unified party, and Sarid became its chairman after Aloni's retirement. In 1999, Meretz secured 10 seats in the Knesset and joined Ehud Barak's coalition government. Sarid was appointed Minister of Education but later resigned in 2000 due to conflicts with the religious party Shas over religious schools.
Head of Opposition and Election Defeats
In 2001, Ariel Sharon won the direct election for Prime Minister. Likud and Labor formed a national unity government under his leadership, excluding Meretz. As the leader of the largest opposition faction, Sarid became the official Head of the Opposition. In the 2003 elections, Meretz suffered a setback, and Sarid resigned as the party's leader, succeeded by Yossi Beilin. Sarid remained a Knesset member until the 2006 elections, when Meretz performed even more poorly. After this, Sarid announced his retirement from politics.
Post-Political Life
Today, Sarid resides in Margaliot in the Upper Galilee near the Lebanese border. He is married and has three children. Sarid continues to voice his opinions as a weekly columnist for the Israeli newspaper Haaretz. Throughout his career, Sarid has been a tireless advocate for peace, civil rights, and a just and equitable Israel. His legacy as a visionary leader and champion of democratic values will continue to inspire generations to come.
