Shlomo Benizri

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Shlomo Benizri (born February 7, 1961) is an Israeli politician and former member of the Knesset for the Shas party. He has held several ministerial positions in the Israeli government and has been involved in various political and social activities.

Early Life and Education

Shlomo Benizri was born in Haifa, Israel. He was educated in religious schools and later attended a yeshiva, where he became a rabbi. Benizri is known for his strong adherence to Orthodox Judaism and has been an influential figure within the Shas party, which represents the interests of Sephardic Jews and promotes Orthodox Jewish values.

Political Career

Benizri was first elected to the Knesset in 1996 as a member of the Shas party. During his time in the Knesset, he served on various committees and was involved in legislative activities that focused on social welfare, religious affairs, and education.

Ministerial Positions

Throughout his political career, Benizri held several ministerial positions:

• **Minister of Health**: Benizri served as the Minister of Health from 1999 to 2000. During his tenure, he focused on improving healthcare services and addressing the needs of the underprivileged.
• **Minister of Labor and Social Affairs**: He served as the Minister of Labor and Social Affairs from 2001 to 2002. In this role, he worked on policies related to employment, social welfare, and the integration of marginalized communities.
• **Minister of Housing and Construction**: Benizri held the position of Minister of Housing and Construction from 2002 to 2003. He was involved in initiatives to provide affordable housing and improve living conditions for low-income families.

Legal Issues

In 2008, Shlomo Benizri was convicted of accepting bribes, breach of trust, and obstruction of justice. He was sentenced to four years in prison and was subsequently released in 2012 after serving a reduced sentence. His conviction and imprisonment marked a significant event in his political career and had a considerable impact on his public image.

Personal Life

Shlomo Benizri is married and has several children. He continues to be active in religious and community affairs, often speaking on issues related to Orthodox Judaism and social justice.

See Also

• Shas
• Knesset
• Minister of Health (Israel)
• Minister of Labor and Social Affairs (Israel)
• Minister of Housing and Construction (Israel)