Key Facts
Career & Education
About
Gilad Kariv (born November 30, 1973) is an Israeli attorney, Reform rabbi, and politician who has emerged as a significant voice in progressive politics and religious reform in Israel. He earned his law degree from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and was ordained as a rabbi by the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in New York in 2008. Prior to his political career, Kariv served as the CEO of the Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism, where he advocated for religious pluralism, women's rights within Judaism, and the integration of progressive values into Israeli society. As a lawyer and activist, he focused on civil rights issues, including the separation of religion and state, and became a prominent critic of the Orthodox establishment's monopoly on religious affairs in Israel.
Kariv entered national politics in 2021 when he was elected to the 25th Knesset as a member of the Labor Party, later aligning with The Democrats faction. He has been a staunch opponent of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government, particularly criticizing its judicial overhaul plans, settlement policies, and alliances with far-right elements. Politically, he has opposed figures like Miriam Adelson, a major Netanyahu supporter and donor, highlighting concerns over undue influence from wealthy benefactors in Israeli politics. During the term of the 36th Government, Kariv chaired the Knesset's Constitution, Law and Justice Committee, where he played a key role in legislative debates on democratic reforms and civil liberties.
Known for his blend of legal expertise, rabbinical leadership, and progressive activism, Kariv represents a push for a more inclusive and secular Israel. His work bridges religious and political spheres, emphasizing social justice, LGBTQ+ rights, and environmental issues. As a critic of Netanyahu's long tenure, Kariv has positioned himself as a defender of Israel's democratic institutions amid ongoing political polarization.