Shelly Yachimovich

MKs

Date of birth = 28 March 1960
Year of Aliyah =
Date of death =
Knesset(s) = 17th (current)
Party = Labor
Former parties =
Gov't roles =

Shelly Yachimovich ( _he. שלי יחימוביץ, born 28 March 1960) is an Israeli journalist, politician, and current member of the Knesset for the Labor Party.

Born in Kfar Saba and a graduate of Ben-Gurion University of the Negev in behavioural science, Yachimovich began her journalistic career during her studies in Beersheba, as the southern correspondent for "Al HaMishmar". She later became an anchor of various shows on IBA radio's Reshet Bet ("Station B"). As a journalist, she focused on feminist and socialist issues, and strongly advocated the withdrawal of the Israel Defense Forces from southern Lebanon.

In October 2000, following a dispute with IBA management, she left IBA radio and joined the commercial Arutz 2 (television) where she hosted an interview show. She was also featured as a social commentator on other news broadcasts, where she often criticized the concentration of wealth in the hands of the elite, as well as the links between money and political power. She also joined Israel Army Radio ("Galei Tzahal") for a weekly segment.

In November 29, 2005, two weeks after Amir Peretz was voted chairman of the Labor party, Yachimovich announced she was leaving journalism and entering politics. She ran in the Labor primaries and attained ninth place. She was voted to the 17th Knesset in the 2006 elections.

In August 2006, she made a controversial statement accusing President Moshe Katsav of rape in an unfolding sexual harassment suit that had not yet made it to court.

A parody of Yachimovich played by Tal Friedman, "Helly", has been a regular feature of Eretz Nehederet, a popular satirical current affairs show in Israel. The parody focuses on her notoriously feminist leanings, condescending rhetoric, and extensive use of "Air quotes".

External links