Prominent Alumni
Tzipi Livni – LL.B. 1985
Tzipi Livni received her law degree from Bar-Ilan University, practicing commercial, constitutional and real estate law for ten years before entering public life. Livni was first elected to the Knesset in 1999. In 2001, she was appointed Minister in the 29th Knesset and held the Regional Cooperation and Agriculture Portfolios. In the 30th Knesset, she held the portfolios of Immigrant Absorption, Housing and Construction, Justice and Foreign Affairs. During the 31st Knesset, she served as Vice Prime Minister, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, and interim Minister of Justice. A founding member of the Kadima party, Livni was elected party chairman in September 2008. With the establishment of the Netanyahu government MK Livni became the head of the opposition.
“Bar-Ilan legal studies are founded on two prime elements: the first, the fundamental principal of social justice and the second, an emphasis on the creation of common ground between opposing parties as the best way to solve disputes. This foundation has guided me through my career and will continue to serve me in my future challenges.”
Prof. Yaffa Zilbershats – LL.B. 1977, Ph.D. 1992
Professor Yaffa Zilbershats was the dean of the Faculty of Law at Bar-Ilan University from 2004 to 2007. Having acquired both her LL.B. and her Ph.D. at Bar-Ilan, she has also completed an LL.M in International Legal Studies at New York University.
The author of numerous articles on citizenship and international law who currently plays an important role in the formulation of Israel’s immigration policy, Professor Zilbershats has published a book on The Human Right to Citizenship. She has been a member of various official government committees, serves on the Boards of the Israel Democracy Institute and the Jewish Agency, and officiates as the Vice President of the International Association of Jewish Lawyers and Jurists.
“The Law Faculty has always embraced an international perspective. This enriches my work as I study the meeting point between constitutional law, international law and human rights.”
Dr. Nachman Shai – Ph.D., Political Sciences and Communications, 2010
Dr. Nachman Shai is a Member of Knesset for Kadima Party, in which capacity he is also Chairman of the Lobby for the Promotion of Israel`s Public Diplomacy.
Prior to his entry into the world of politics, Dr. Shai held the position of Senior Vice President and Director General, External Affairs of the United Jewish Communities (UJC) in Israel.
Dr. Shai has held diverse positions in the military, the media, the diplomatic and the public arenas, most memorable of which was his role as Israel Defense Force Spokesperson, (rank: of Brigadier General), during the first Gulf war. Dr. Shai holds a Ph.D. in Political Sciences and Communications from Bar-Ilan University (the subject of his thesis was "Public Diplomacy and Low Intensity Conflict"), and an MA from the Communications Institute of the Hebrew University. He also completed advanced studies at the World Press Institute, Minneapolis, Minnesota, and at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.
Dr. Shai has held diverse positions in the military, the media, the diplomatic and the public arenas, most memorable of which was his role as Israel Defense Force Spokesperson, (rank: of Brigadier General), during the first Gulf war. Dr. Shai holds a Ph.D. in Political Sciences and Communications from Bar-Ilan University (the subject of his thesis was "Public Diplomacy and Low Intensity Conflict"), and an MA from the Communications Institute of the Hebrew University. He also completed advanced studies at the World Press Institute, Minneapolis, Minnesota, and at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.
Shaul Mofaz - B.A. Economics and Business Management, 1979
Shaul Mofaz is a Member of Knesset for Kadima Party, having previously served as Lieutenant General (Res.) in the Israeli Defense Forces, as its sixteenth Chief of Staff. During his tenure in the Knesset, he also served as Minister of Defense, Minister of Transportation and Safety, and Deputy Prime Minister. Married and father of four, Shaul Mofaz holds a B.A. in Economics and Business Management from Bar Ilan University.
Justice Edna Arbel - LL.M 1979
A justice of Israel's Supreme Court, Arbel has held this post since 2004. In 1984, Arbel was appointed District Attorney of the Central District. She had previously served as a senior assistant to the District Attorney of the Central District. In 1988, she was appointed as a judge in the Tel Aviv District Court. In 1996, she succeeded Dorit Beinisch as State Attorney. She served in this capacity for eight years, until being appointed to the Supreme Court. In 2004, Arbel was nominated for the Supreme Court by then Chief Justice Aharon Barak.
A justice of Israel's Supreme Court, Arbel has held this post since 2004. In 1984, Arbel was appointed District Attorney of the Central District. She had previously served as a senior assistant to the District Attorney of the Central District. In 1988, she was appointed as a judge in the Tel Aviv District Court. In 1996, she succeeded Dorit Beinisch as State Attorney. She served in this capacity for eight years, until being appointed to the Supreme Court. In 2004, Arbel was nominated for the Supreme Court by then Chief Justice Aharon Barak.
Gilad Erdan – LL.B. 1997
A Member of Knesset (Likud Party) and the Minister of Environmental Protection, Gilad Erdan graduated with LL.B. from Bar-Ilan University after completing his mandatory military service at the rank of Captain. MK Erdan than began his career of public service, first acting as Advisor to MK Ariel Sharon, and as Director of the Department for Public Petitions at the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He established the Lobby for Soldiers Missing in Action, and served as chair of Al-Sam, an organization fighting against drug abuse.
A Member of Knesset since 2003, Erdan has served on many Knesset committees. He actively lobbies for legislation promoting environment protection, social equality, and improved road safety. Gilad Erdan was appointed Minister of Environmental Protection in March 2009.
“A legal degree confers more than a profession – it confers responsibility to protect the rights of those less fortunate than ourselves. As a lawyer and a public official, I applaud the way Bar-Ilan University encourages law students to get involved in the community. I believe that today’s participants in the legal clinics will form the backbone of the State of Israel’s legal, economic and social leadership tomorrow.”
Meir Sheetrit – B.A. and M.A., Political Sciences, 1989
Currently Member of Knesset for Kadima Party, MK Sheetrit previously served as Israel's Minister of Internal Affairs and Minister of Housing and Construction. At earlier stages of his political career, before joining the Knesset, he was elected Mayor of the City of Yavneh, and filled the positions of Treasurer of the Jewish Agency and of the World Zionist Organization. MK Sheetrit later became a member of the Likud Party, in which capacity he also served at different times as Minister of Finance, Minister of Justice, Minister of Transportation, and Minister of Education, Culture and Sports. He currently serves as the Chairman of the Knesset's Committee of Science and Technology.
MK Sheetrit gained both his BA and MA in the Department of Political Sciences at Bar-Ilan University.
Zion Amir – LL.B. 1980
A native of Jerusalem, Zion Amir began his studies at Bar-Ilan immediately after completing his mandatory army service. After acquiring his LL.B. from the Law Faculty, Mr. Amir went on to complete two yearlong professional internships. The first was at the Tel-Aviv-based Lieblich–Moser law offices, one of Israel’s leading firms, specializing in freedom of expression and the media. The second was in criminal law – a field that has been the focus of his career ever since. Today, Mr. Amir is one of Israel’s most prominent criminal lawyers. In recent years he has represented a number of public figures, among them former President of the State of Israel, Mr. Moshe Katzav.
“The Law Faculty at Bar-Ilan is a very serious learning framework. The study of the law in combination with Jewish legal teachings very much enriched my personal worldview, and helped define the path I would take as I launched my professional career.”
Yaron Dekel – BA Political Science & Criminology, MA (with honors) Political Science & Communicaiton
Veteran government radio and television broadcaster Yaron Dekel is the head of the Israel Defense Forces Radio ("Galei Tsahal"). Between 2002 and 2007 Dekel was the Israel Broadcasting Authority's
Dr. Menachem Finkelstein - Ph.D. 1988
Beginning his army service during the Yom Kippur War, Dr. Menachem Finkelstein steadily rose through the ranks to become a Major General, serving as a military court judge as well as the army’s Advocate General, Chief Prosecutor and Judge Advocate General of the Israel Defense Forces.
Dr. Finkelstein has been teaching at the BIU Faculty of Law since 1988, giving courses on Jewish Law and Military Law. He is the author of Proselytism – Halakhah and Practice, (Bar-Ilan Press, 1994) recently translated into English. Since leaving the military, he has served as a District Court Judge in Haifa, and is currently at the Central District Court in Petach Tikvah.
“My studies at the Faculty of Law are something I remember very fondly. I was particularly influenced by the Faculty’s special emphasis on Jewish Law – something that had a strong impact on my academic research, and helped me align my public work with Judaism’s moral principles, especially while serving as Judge Advocate General of the Israel Defense Forces.”
Prof. Edna Foa – B.A., Psychology and Literature, 1962
Prof. Foa is an internationally renowned authority on the psychopathology and treatment of anxiety. She is a professor of clinical psychology at the University of Pennsylvania, where she serves as the Director of the Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety. Her key field of research is determining causes and treatments of anxiety disorders.
Prof. Foa acquired her BA in Psychology and Literature at Bar-Ilan, her MA in Clinical Psychology at the University of Illinois, and her PhD in Clinical Psychology and Personality at the University of Missouri.
Prof. Foa is the recipient of the Distinguished Scientific Contributions to Clinical Psychology Award from the American Psychological Association, a Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, and the only Israeli on Time Magazine's list "100 Most Influential People In The World".
MK Avraham Michaeli - LL.B 1984
A Member of Knesset for the conservative religious Shas Party, MK Michaeli was born in Kulashy, Georgia, and made Aliyah to Israel as a teenager. He enlisted to the IDF for a mandatory military service, and was honorably discharges at the rank of Captain. He Has been a Member of Knesset since 2006, and is currently also the Chairman of Shas Party. In addition to his Knesset duties, MK Michaeli also owns a private law firm specializing in civil law. MK Michaeli earned his LL.B. at Bar-Ilan University.
A Member of Knesset for the conservative religious Shas Party, MK Michaeli was born in Kulashy, Georgia, and made Aliyah to Israel as a teenager. He enlisted to the IDF for a mandatory military service, and was honorably discharges at the rank of Captain. He Has been a Member of Knesset since 2006, and is currently also the Chairman of Shas Party. In addition to his Knesset duties, MK Michaeli also owns a private law firm specializing in civil law. MK Michaeli earned his LL.B. at Bar-Ilan University.
Prof. Ruth Halperin-Kaddari LL.B 1989
Director, the Ruth and Emanuel Rackman International Centerfor the Advancement of Women Bar-Ilan University. Member of the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women. Member of the Plenary Committee and the Legal Committee, I.C.A.R. - International Coalition for Agunah Rights. Member of the International Advisory Board of the Center for Women in Jewish Law, the Schechter Institute of Jewish Studies, Jerusalem, Israel. Recipient of the International Award for Woman of Courage, U.S. State Department. Fulbright New Century Scholar.
MK Gila Gamliel - LL.M 2010
is a Member of Knesset (Likud Party) and Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Office. She is also the Deputy Minister for the Advancement of Young People, Students and Women. During her first term in the Knesset she chaired the Committee on the Status of Women, and in March 2005 was appointed Deputy Minister of Agriculture.
MK Gamliel studied at the Ben-Gurion University, where she earned a BA in Middle Eastern History and Philosophy and an MA in Philosophy. As a student she was also Chairwoman of the University's Student Union, and the first woman Chair of the National Students' Association. Later on, she completed her LL.B. at Ono Academic College. In 2010 she acquired an LL.M at Bar-Ilan University's Faculty of Law.
MK Amihai "Ami" Ayalon - B.A., Economics and Political Sciences, 1980
Mr. Ayalon is a former Member of Knesset for the Labor Party. During his tenure as MK he was also a Minister responsible for Voluntary National Civilian Service. At the Knesset, he was also a member of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, a member of the State Oversight Committee, a member of the Ethics Committee, the Chairman of the Subcommittee for National Emergency Readiness, and the Chairman of the Ministerial State Oversight Committee. Before becoming a Member of Knesset, Mr. Ayalon served as Head of the Shabak, Israel's Security Agency, a role for which he was honored by the Movement for Quality Government in 2000. Prior to being Head of the Shabak, Mr. Ayalon served as commander-in-chief of the Israel Navy, retiring at the rank of Admiral. Mr. Ayalon acquired his BA in Economics and Political Sciences at Bar-Ilan on 1980. He is currently the Chairman of AKIM, a charity association for the habilitation of the mentally handicapped, and serves as a consultant for various agricultural and water-related organizations.
is a Member of Knesset (Likud Party) and Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Office. She is also the Deputy Minister for the Advancement of Young People, Students and Women. During her first term in the Knesset she chaired the Committee on the Status of Women, and in March 2005 was appointed Deputy Minister of Agriculture.
MK Gamliel studied at the Ben-Gurion University, where she earned a BA in Middle Eastern History and Philosophy and an MA in Philosophy. As a student she was also Chairwoman of the University's Student Union, and the first woman Chair of the National Students' Association. Later on, she completed her LL.B. at Ono Academic College. In 2010 she acquired an LL.M at Bar-Ilan University's Faculty of Law.
MK Amihai "Ami" Ayalon - B.A., Economics and Political Sciences, 1980
Mr. Ayalon is a former Member of Knesset for the Labor Party. During his tenure as MK he was also a Minister responsible for Voluntary National Civilian Service. At the Knesset, he was also a member of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, a member of the State Oversight Committee, a member of the Ethics Committee, the Chairman of the Subcommittee for National Emergency Readiness, and the Chairman of the Ministerial State Oversight Committee. Before becoming a Member of Knesset, Mr. Ayalon served as Head of the Shabak, Israel's Security Agency, a role for which he was honored by the Movement for Quality Government in 2000. Prior to being Head of the Shabak, Mr. Ayalon served as commander-in-chief of the Israel Navy, retiring at the rank of Admiral. Mr. Ayalon acquired his BA in Economics and Political Sciences at Bar-Ilan on 1980. He is currently the Chairman of AKIM, a charity association for the habilitation of the mentally handicapped, and serves as a consultant for various agricultural and water-related organizations.
Maj. Gen. (Res.) Eitan Ben Eliyahu- B.A., Economics and Business Administration
Founder and co-CEO of Target Designation (TD). The Former Commander of the Israel Air Force, he served for more than 30 years in the Israel Defense Forces in command and staff positions, including serving as Assistant Head of Intelligence at the General Staff, Chief of the Air Force Staff, and Commander of the Air Operations Division. He is the founder and former CEO of Sentry Technology Group. Completed Harvard University’s Advanced Management Program.
Founder and co-CEO of Target Designation (TD). The Former Commander of the Israel Air Force, he served for more than 30 years in the Israel Defense Forces in command and staff positions, including serving as Assistant Head of Intelligence at the General Staff, Chief of the Air Force Staff, and Commander of the Air Operations Division. He is the founder and former CEO of Sentry Technology Group. Completed Harvard University’s Advanced Management Program.
Aharon Azulai - L.LB.
General Director of the Israeli Ministry for Pensioners’ Affairs. He previously served as Managing Director of the Economic Corporation for the Development of Kiryat Ata Ltd. as well as Chairman of the Kiryat Ata Municipal Youth Center. He is a lawyer by profession and was a senior partner in a law firm.
General Director of the Israeli Ministry for Pensioners’ Affairs. He previously served as Managing Director of the Economic Corporation for the Development of Kiryat Ata Ltd. as well as Chairman of the Kiryat Ata Municipal Youth Center. He is a lawyer by profession and was a senior partner in a law firm.
Gila Ben-Har - M.A., Education
CEO of the Center for Educational Technology (CET). In her former role as Head of the Education, Culture and Sports Administration of the City of Tel Aviv-Jaffa, she led the planning of educational policy and its application in the city over a period of four years. Her work focuses on trend research, decentralization and centralization of the educational system, and with the role of the educational system in local government. She is a graduate of the first class of the School for Educational Leadership in Jerusalem.
CEO of the Center for Educational Technology (CET). In her former role as Head of the Education, Culture and Sports Administration of the City of Tel Aviv-Jaffa, she led the planning of educational policy and its application in the city over a period of four years. Her work focuses on trend research, decentralization and centralization of the educational system, and with the role of the educational system in local government. She is a graduate of the first class of the School for Educational Leadership in Jerusalem.
Gen. (Res.) Ilan Biran
Chairman of the Board of Rafael - Advanced Defense Systems Ltd and Chairman of the Kinneret Academic College. The former CEO of Bezeq – The Israel Communications Company Ltd. and Chairman of the Board of YES Cable Television, he also served as Chairman of the Board of Oil Refineries Ltd. The former General Director of the Ministry of Defense, he served in the Israel Defense Forces for 32 years in various staff and command positions, including Commanding General, Central Command, Head of the Technology and Logistics Branch, and Head of the Operations Division at the General Staff. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Institute for Policy and Strategy at the Interdisciplinary Center, Herzliya. A graduate of both the Bar Ilan University and the US Marine Corps School of Advanced War Fighting, he holds a degree as a Research Fellow in Strategies and Political Economics from Georgetown University.
Chairman of the Board of Rafael - Advanced Defense Systems Ltd and Chairman of the Kinneret Academic College. The former CEO of Bezeq – The Israel Communications Company Ltd. and Chairman of the Board of YES Cable Television, he also served as Chairman of the Board of Oil Refineries Ltd. The former General Director of the Ministry of Defense, he served in the Israel Defense Forces for 32 years in various staff and command positions, including Commanding General, Central Command, Head of the Technology and Logistics Branch, and Head of the Operations Division at the General Staff. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Institute for Policy and Strategy at the Interdisciplinary Center, Herzliya. A graduate of both the Bar Ilan University and the US Marine Corps School of Advanced War Fighting, he holds a degree as a Research Fellow in Strategies and Political Economics from Georgetown University.
Nahum Itzkovich - MBA
General Director of the Israeli Welfare and Social Services Ministry. He has held many public positions, including that of General Director of the Tourism Ministry, Chairman of the Sharon Drainage Administration, Chairman of the Regional Council of Emek Hefer, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Rupin Academic Center.
General Director of the Israeli Welfare and Social Services Ministry. He has held many public positions, including that of General Director of the Tourism Ministry, Chairman of the Sharon Drainage Administration, Chairman of the Regional Council of Emek Hefer, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Rupin Academic Center.
M.K. Dr. Lea Nass - Ph.D., Biochemistry
Israeli Deputy Minister of Pensioner Affairs. She is a Member of the Knesset from the Likud Party. She served in the 16th Knesset as Chairperson of the Science and Technology Committee and initiated the establishment of the Environment Committee and served as its Chairperson. She was Deputy Head of the Givat Shmuel Local Council and a lecturer at Bar Ilan University.
Israeli Deputy Minister of Pensioner Affairs. She is a Member of the Knesset from the Likud Party. She served in the 16th Knesset as Chairperson of the Science and Technology Committee and initiated the establishment of the Environment Committee and served as its Chairperson. She was Deputy Head of the Givat Shmuel Local Council and a lecturer at Bar Ilan University.
Rachel Sharvit - M.A., Social Work
Senior Deputy Director and Head of the Youth and Young People’s Division and Corrective Services at the Israeli Ministry of Social Affairs and Social Services. She has held a number of senior positions in the Ministry, including that of Head of the Youth Probation Services Division and Regional Probation Officer for Southern Youth. She is the recipient of the Chazani Prize for Social Work. She is a visiting Lecturer in the Department of Social Work at Ben Gurion University. She studied in the Senior Staff Program of the Civil Service at the Mendel School and in the Endangered Young People’s Program “Eshkolot” at the Brookdale Institute.
Senior Deputy Director and Head of the Youth and Young People’s Division and Corrective Services at the Israeli Ministry of Social Affairs and Social Services. She has held a number of senior positions in the Ministry, including that of Head of the Youth Probation Services Division and Regional Probation Officer for Southern Youth. She is the recipient of the Chazani Prize for Social Work. She is a visiting Lecturer in the Department of Social Work at Ben Gurion University. She studied in the Senior Staff Program of the Civil Service at the Mendel School and in the Endangered Young People’s Program “Eshkolot” at the Brookdale Institute.
Efi Stenzler - B.A., Public Administration and Local Government
Chairman of the Jewish National Fund. He currently serves as Chairman of the Young People’s National Defense College and is Deputy Chairman of the Israel Lands Authority. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Jewish Agency. He served as Mayor of the city of Givatayim for 13 years and was Chairman of the Givatayim Theater. He is the recipient of the Worthy Environmentalist award from the Union of Environmental Organizations in Israel.
Chairman of the Jewish National Fund. He currently serves as Chairman of the Young People’s National Defense College and is Deputy Chairman of the Israel Lands Authority. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Jewish Agency. He served as Mayor of the city of Givatayim for 13 years and was Chairman of the Givatayim Theater. He is the recipient of the Worthy Environmentalist award from the Union of Environmental Organizations in Israel.
Last modified: 06/02/2012
MK Tzipi Livni
Prof. Yaffa Zilbershats
Dr. Nachman Shai
MK Shaul Mofaz 
Justice Edna Arbel
MK (Likud) Gilad Erdan
MK Meir Sheetrit
Zion Amir, Adv.
Yaron Dekel
Dr. Menachem Finkelstein
Prof. Edna Foa and the issue
of Time Magazine in which
she is featured.
MK Avraham Michaeli 
Prof. Ruth Halperin-Kaddari