Aryeh Deri

Aryeh Deri's political career is marked by historic firsts and enduring influence. He became the youngest cabinet minister in Israeli history at age 29, a record that still stands. As the founder of Shas, he built a party that has become a permanent fixture in Israeli politics, representing a constituency that was previously marginalized. His ability to navigate coalition politics has made him a kingmaker, and his return to power after a prison sentence is a remarkable feat in any political system. Despite controversies, his impact on Israeli society, particularly for Sephardic ultra-Orthodox Jews, is undeniable.