Who Is Yitzhak Shamir? Age, Biography and Wiki
Yitzhak Shamir was born on October 22, 1915, in Ruzhany, Poland. He became one of the most pivotal political figures in Israeli history, serving as the Prime Minister from 1983 to 1984 and again from 1986 to 1992. Known for his strong stance on security and resistance to territorial concessions in peace negotiations, Shamir's leadership was marked by his commitment to the principles of the state of Israel. As of 2025, Yitzhak Shamir would have been 110 years old, but he passed away on June 30, 2012. This article reflects on his legacy and the ongoing impact of his policies on contemporary Israeli politics.
| Occupation | Prime Ministers |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 22, 1915 |
| Age | 96 Years |
| Birth Place | Ruzhinoy, Bialystok-Grodno District, Ober Ost |
| Horoscope | Libra |
| Country | Israel |
| Date of death | 30 June, 2012 |
| Died Place | Tel Aviv, Israel |
Popularity
Yitzhak Shamir's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While precise measurements of Yitzhak Shamir's height and weight during his lifetime are not widely documented, he was known for his sturdy demeanor. Historical accounts suggest he stood around 5 feet 8 inches tall (approximately 173 cm), typical for men of his era. His weight fluctuated throughout his life, particularly during his time in office, where he embodied the responsibilities and stresses of leadership.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Yitzhak Shamir was married to Shulamit Shamir, who was a significant source of support throughout his political career. The couple had three children—two sons and a daughter—who have continued to engage in various activities in Israel. While there is no detailed public record of Shamir's dating history outside of his marriage, his relationship with Shulamit remained a lasting partnership throughout his life until his passing.
Shamir's parents and two sisters were murdered in the Holocaust. Shamir claimed his father was killed just outside his birthplace in Ruzhany by villagers who had been his childhood friends after he had escaped from a German train transporting Jews to the death camps, though this was never confirmed.
His mother and a sister were murdered in the concentration camps, and another sister was shot dead.
Shamir once told Ehud Olmert that when his father, living under Nazi occupation, had been informed that the extermination of the Jews was imminent, his father had replied that "I have a son in the Land of Israel, and he will exact my revenge on them".
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his death in 2012, Yitzhak Shamir's net worth was estimated to be around $10 million, partly accumulated from his years in public office and various business ventures. His salary as Prime Minister during his administration was reflective of public servants at the time and has likely formed the basis of his financial legacy.
Career, Business, and Investments
Yitzhak Shamir's career began in the Zionist Labor movement and escalated through the ranks of Israeli politics. As a member of the Likud party, Shamir held various ministerial positions before becoming Prime Minister. Besides his political career, he had interests in investments that contributed to his financial status. He was known for his integrity and dedication, which advanced his political standing and influence.
In the first years of Israel's independence, Shamir managed several commercial enterprises. In 1955, he joined Mossad, serving until 1965. During his Mossad career, he directed Operation Damocles, the assassinations of German rocket scientists working on the Egyptian missile programme.
Social Network
Before his passing, Shamir was a respected figure on various social platforms where political discourse about Israel's security, peace initiatives, and governance continued to shape public opinion. Although he may not have utilized modern social media himself, discussions about his policies and political philosophies are often referenced in posts concerning Israel's contemporary issues.
After the establishment of the Israeli state Shamir served in Mossad between 1955 and 1965. Shamir directed Operation Damocles and resigned from Mossad after Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion ordered an end to the program. In 1969 Shamir joined Menachem Begin's Herut Party.
Shamir was first elected to the Knesset in 1973 as a member of the Likud alliance of parties. Shamir served as Speaker of the Knesset after Likud became the first right-wing Israeli government after winning the 1977 Israeli legislative election against Prime Minister Shimon Peres' Alignment.
Shamir was named Foreign Minister by Prime Minister Begin in 1980 and would serve in this post until 1986. Shamir was Foreign Minister during the 1982 Israel invasion of Lebanon.
Education
Yitzhak Shamir's education began in a Jewish school in Poland before he moved to Palestine in 1935. He later joined the Hebrew University of Jerusalem to study law. His education was pivotal in shaping his views and ideologies concerning Israeli governance and global diplomacy.
Shamir later moved to Białystok and studied at a Hebrew high school network. As a youth, Yezernitsky joined Betar, the Revisionist Zionist youth movement. Yezernitsky studied law at the University of Warsaw, but cut his studies short in order to emigrate to what was then Mandatory Palestine in 1935.
Shamir was the surname Yitzhak Yezernitsky used on a forged underground identity card. Once in British Palestine, Yitzhak Yezernitsky changed his surname to Shamir. He later said Shamir means a thorn that stabs and a rock that can cut steel. Shamir initially worked in an accountant's office.
