Born 12.6.48 in Petach Tikvah. Academic studies in Hebrew literature and political science.

In 1981 completed Doctorate in political science at Tel-Aviv university, where he was also engaged in lecturing and research. From 1969 to 1977 he worked as a journalist and was a member of the editorial board of 'Davar'..


Public positions

1977-1984: spokesperson for the Labor party. Following this was Government Secretary for two years. In 1996 to 1988 was political secretary-general of the Foreign ministry. Elected in 1988 to the 12th Knesset, during which time he was deputy foreign minister , minister for economic and planning affairs and minister in the prime minister's office. In the 14th Knesset served on the law and constitution committee, the foreign affairs and security committee, and the committee on the status of women. In November 1999 resigned from the 15th Knesset after serving as minister of Justice and, in the year 2000, as minister for relgious affairs. In March 2004 was elected as Chair of the Meretz-Yahad party, a position which he has held since then.

Public activity

Beilin is considered to be one of the people who shaped Israeli society in the recent period. In the spring of 1992 he initiated the Oslo peace process and in 1995 he reached a historic agreement with Palestinian leader Abu Mazen on a permanent agreement, which formed the basis for the Clinton plan. He also initiated the Birthright plan (Taglit) for visits of young Jews to Israel at the expense of the Jewish people. In addition, he headed the public committee for withdrawal from Lebanon. Beilin initiated along with MK Michael Eitan a document of national agreement on a permanent peace arrangement, as well as being among the initiators of a new social covenant on the subject of religion and state ('Beilin-Lubvutsky). In December 2003 the 'Geneva accords' were launched by Beilin and Yasser Abed Rabu, presenting a model of full permanent agreement between Israel and the Palestinians. This initiative brought about a significant change in the public discourse in Israel, and to a breakdown of the seeming consensus that 'there is nobody to talk to and nothing to talk about'.

Books

From the Huleh  to Geneva (Yediot Aharanot 2004)

The political lexicon of Yossi Beilin ) Internet book - www.beilin.co.il/lexicon

Ahad Ha'am corner Herzl (Hakibbbutz Hameuhad 2002)

Guide to a wounded dove (Tediot Aharanot 2001)

From Socialism to Socialiberalism (Am Oved 1999)

Death of the uncle from America (Yediot Aharonot 1999)

Guide to the withdrawal from Lebanon (Hakibbutz Hameuhad 1998)

To touch peace (Yediot Aharanot 1996)

Israel at forty plus ( Yediot Aharonot 1993)

Henrew industry - roots (Keter 1987)

The price of unity (Tel-Aviv, Revivim 1985)

Sons in the shadow of their fathers (Tel-Aviv, Revivim 1984)

List of public positions

March 2004 Chair of Meretz-Yahad

October 2000 Minister of Justice and Minister for ReligiousAffairs

July 1999 Minister of Justice

June 1996 Member of the Knesset, member of the law and constitution committee and of the foreign affairs and security committee

November 1995 Minister in the PM's office

July 1995 Minister for economic affairs and planning

1992-1995 Deputy foreign minister, MK

1990-1992 Member of the foreign affairs and security committee, MK

1988-1990 Deputy finance minister, MK

1986-1988 Political director-general, foreign ministry

1984-1986 Government secretary

1977-1984 Spokesperson for the Labor party

1969-1977 Journalist and member of the 'Davar' editorial board

1966-1969 Military service

Languages

English, French, some Arabic.

Academic life

1969-1980 Studies in Hebrew literature and politicasl science at Tel-Aviv university

1981 Third degree in the political science department, Tel-Aviv university

1972-1985 Lecturer in the political science department, Tel-Aviv university.