Gary Leonard Ackerman (born November 19, 1942, in New York City) is an American retired politician and former U.S. Representative who served in Congress from 1983 to 2013. A Democrat, he initially represented New York's 5th congressional district and later the 7th district after redistricting. Before entering national politics, Ackerman served in the New York State Assembly from 1975 to 1983, following a career as a social studies teacher in Queens public schools and as the owner of a travel agency, which he used to fund early political campaigns. He built a career focused on foreign policy, particularly as a staunch advocate for Israel, chairing the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia, where he pushed for sanctions against Iran and supported robust U.S. aid to Israel. His tenure was marked by commitment to Democratic values combined with a hawkish stance on Middle Eastern issues, earning both praise from pro-Israel groups and criticism from those advocating for more balanced U.S. foreign policy. Known for his colorful personality and occasional clashes with colleagues, he maintained accessibility to constituents in his diverse Queens and Long Island district. In March 2012, amid redistricting challenges and after 15 terms, Ackerman announced he would not seek re-election, retiring at the end of the 112th Congress on January 3, 2013. Since retirement, he has largely stepped back from public office but continues to engage in discussions on international affairs through media appearances and think tank affiliations, residing in New York with a low public profile focused on family and occasional advocacy work. His legacy includes significant contributions to U.S.-Israel relations and legislative efforts on global security.