Ze'ev Bielski, originally named Benjamin Ze'ev Bileski, is an Israeli politician born and raised in Jerusalem. He attended the Hebrew University Secondary School but was expelled in the 11th grade due to disciplinary issues. Bielski earned a BA in Economics from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in 1973 and served in the IDF Paratroopers Brigade from 1967 to 1970, achieving the rank of Major. From 1977 to 1980, he worked as a Jewish Agency emissary in South Africa, later co-founding a metal factory in Rishon LeZion and The Israel Forum in the early 1980s to connect young Diaspora Jews with Israel. He served as mayor of Ra'anana from 1989 to 2005 and 2013 to 2018, during which he developed the city's high-tech district, Ra'anana Park, Ra'anana College, and merged local basketball teams. Bielski chaired the Jewish Agency and World Zionist Organization from 2005 to 2009, led efforts for Gilad Shalit's release in 2006, and served in the Knesset for Kadima from 2009-02-24 to 2013-02-05, chairing subcommittees and proposing legislation on various issues. Post-Knesset, he headed the National Housing Headquarters from 2018 to 2020 and was appointed chairman of the board of Mikve Israel - Kol Israel Haverim on 2025-01-10. He played in the Israeli national basketball league and received awards like Knight of Good Government (2000) and Ometz Award (2015). Married to Caron/Karen Sacks (met in South Africa; CEO of BSP Funds, chairs Beit Izzy Shapira), they have three children: daughters Adi Bielski (actress) and Tali, son Eran. Social media: Facebook (facebook.com/zeev.bielski), Instagram (@zeevbielski), YouTube (youtube.com/user/zeevik123); email: zeevik@bielski.co.il. Bielski has faced limited controversies: high school expulsion, criticism in 2011-2012 for withholding funding from Ra'anana's Pelech School, and statements on inevitable Diaspora assimilation urging aliyah. His 2005 Jewish Agency election drew some controversy, but no arrests, convictions, lawsuits, or major scandals reported. No verified financial data like net worth.