Former Minister of Justice Avi Nissenkorn Joins the Israel Democracy Institute

Former Justice Minister Avi Nissenkorn joins the Israel Democracy Institute as a Senior Visiting Fellow. As part of his role at the Institute, Nissenkorn will promote initiatives focused on adapting the labor market to the post-COVID era, to improve government function and to fortify IDI’s efforts to strengthen democratic institutions and the rule of law.

Flash 90

Nissenkorn served as Minister of Justice in the 35th Government of Israel where he promoted individual and social rights, and was best known for, defending the rule of law and the principle of equality before the law in the face of a powerful and unprecedented attacks on the justice system.

Prior to seeking elected office, Nissenkorn, a law graduate from Tel Aviv University, served as Chair of the Israel's General Federation of Labor (the Histadrut) since 2014. In that role he promoted a number of collective agreements for public and business sector workers and succeeded in raising the minimum wage and improving the integration of people with disabilities in the workforce.

Yohanan Plesner, president of the Israel Democracy Institute, welcomed the addition of Nissenkorn to IDI: "Avi Nissenkorn’s professional background and practical experience will help advance IDI's vision of public service reforms. There is no doubt that the COVID crisis has made clear the need to reform the internal workings of the government while improving the abilities of the professionals officials serving in the civil service. I am also confident that Avi’s addition to the Institute's team of researchers will greatly enhance our efforts to confront and curb anti-democratic initiatives while strengthening the rule of law."

Avi Nissenkorn stated: "I am pleased to have the opportunity to join the Israel Democracy Institute, Israel's leading research institute in terms of knowledge, expertise and the protection of democratic values while strengthening public systems. I intend to assist in the design of policies that increase labor market productivity and expand employment opportunities in Israeli society, and of course strengthen democracy and the rule of law."