Documentary-style Biography of Shimon Shoshani

Early Life and Education

Shimon Shoshani holds a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Literature and Bible from Bar-Ilan University and pursued his Master of Arts (M.A.) in Education at Tel Aviv University. He earned his Ph.D. in Educational Administration from the University of New York in Buffalo, USA.

Shoshani embarked on his career in education as a teacher in Givatayim, serving at "ORT Technicum" and "Klei HaTe'akh High School" from 1960 to 1969. In 1970-1971, he managed the comprehensive high school in Eilat before traveling to the United States to complete his doctoral studies. During his time in the U.S., he also taught at a Jewish school in Buffalo.

Career Highlights

In 1975, Shoshani returned to Israel and was appointed as the Director of Elementary Schools and the Head of the Institutions Department at the Ministry of Education and Culture. From 1978 to 1986, he served as the Director of the Culture, Education, and Youth Administration in the Tel Aviv Municipality. During this time, he introduced innovative programs such as "Controlled Choice" and established registration zones for all residents of the city from the north to the south. Additionally, he initiated the creation of special schools for nature and the environment, the arts, and the first school in Israel for autistic children.

In 1986, Shoshani was honored with a Certificate of Excellence in Efficient Management at the Eighth National Conference on Local Government and Local Management, held by the Ministry of the Interior.

Appointed by Minister of Education Yitzhak Navon in 1986, Shoshani served as the Director-General of the Ministry of Education and Culture until 1989. During his tenure, he collaborated with Michael Gill to establish the Joint Authorities model, a pioneering approach that unified local and governmental administration. Shoshani's efforts in implementing educational reforms and restructuring the educational system led to a professional disagreement with the minister, which prompted him to resign in 1988. In 1988, he was awarded the Tel Aviv-Yafo Education Prize.

Between 1989 and 1993, Shoshani worked for the World ORT network as the Director of ORT in Latin America. Later, he was reappointed as Director-General of the Ministry of Education and Culture, this time under Minister Shulamit Aloni, who had taken over from Navon. He held this position from 1993 to 1996 during Amnon Rubinstein's term as Minister of Education.

During this period, significant pedagogical reforms were implemented in the Israeli education system, including changes to the matriculation exams, advancements in science and technology studies, a deeper focus on Jewish studies in public education, and education for democracy and citizenship. Academic colleges were established, and democratization of higher education began.

In 1996, Shoshani was honored with the David Raziel Award for public service by the Government Services Ombudsman's Office.

From 1996 to 1999, he served as the Director-General of the Jewish Agency. Subsequently, from 1999 to 2008, he founded and served as the Director-General of "Taglit," a groundbreaking Zionist project that brought tens of thousands of young Jewish adults to Israel, strengthening their connection to the country and Judaism. In the mid-1999s, he led the Agency's operation to assist refugees from the Kosovo War, organizing approximately 20 flights with the help of civilians and bringing about 110 refugees to Israel.

In 2002, Shoshani chaired the "Shoshani Committee," which examined various funding models within Israel's elementary education system.

In 2009, he was awarded the Haim Herzog Prize by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in collaboration with Chaim Herzog for his contribution to the State of Israel.

In 2009, the Minister of Education, Gideon Sa'ar, appointed Dr. Shoshani to a third term as Director-General of the Ministry of Education. During this period, significant reforms were carried out in the education system to adapt it to the 21st century, resulting in notable achievements in international exams. Among these reforms, an agreement was reached with the Teachers' Organization for the "Ofek Hadash" (New Horizon) reform, and an agreement with teachers' representatives for "Ophak Chadash" was implemented. In 2011, Shoshani concluded his role as the Director-General of the Ministry of Education.

From 2012 to 2013, Shoshani served as the Deputy Chairman of the Council for Higher Education.

In 2014, he founded and established the Future Scientists Center, which prepares gifted and outstanding students for future leadership in scientific research. The center operates programs such as Alpha, Odyssey, IDEA, School, and the preparation of Israel's selected participants in science Olympiads.

Legacy and Later Life

Shimon Shoshani is regarded as one of Israel's eminent educators and has been a driving force in shaping educational principles and practices over the past several decades. Throughout his professional career, he also held numerous public positions, including Chairman of Yad Yitzhak Ben-Zvi, Chairman of the Friends of the Museums, Chairman of ORT Israel, Chairman of the Society for the Protection of Nature, Chairman of the Center for Educational Technology, and a board member of the Van Leer Institute, the Israel Beautiful Council, and the Israeli Opera. He taught as a visiting lecturer at schools of education in the University of Haifa, Tel Aviv University, and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

In preparation for the 2021 Knesset elections, Shoshani was placed last and symbolically on the "Tikva Chadasha" (New Hope) list, led by Gideon Sa'ar.

Shimon Shoshani resides in Herzliya and is married to Dr. Yael Shoshani, a psychologist. Together, they have three children. Shimon Shoshani's life and career have exemplified dedication to educational excellence and a profound commitment to the future of Israel.