Yitzhak Zamir
Prof. Yitzhak Zamir J, born in Poland in April 15th, 1931, was a professor of public law and dean of the Hebrew University's Faculty of Law, attorney general, and judge in the Supreme Court.
Biography
Zamir was born in Warsaw in Poland in April 15th, 1931, and was immigrated by his parents to Israel at the age of three. Zamir was educated in Hertzelia before serving in the IDF's air-force. When finishing his military service, Zamir went to study economics and political science. Later Zamir altered his studies to law in the Hebrew University. Zamir did his internship in the Supreme Court under the supervision of Justice Yoel Zussman (later Chief Justice). In 1959 Zamir received his license to practice law. Zamir received his doctorate from the University of London. Zamir taught public law in the Hebrew University, becoming dean of the Law Faculty in the years 1975-1978. In the Years 1978-1986 Zamir served as attorney general. During this period Zamir is remembered for his fight to investigate the GSS, who were accused of executing terrorists who were caught alive. Zamir demanded from Moshe Arens, then Minister of Defense, to appoint a committee to investigate the accusations. In May 18th, 1986 Zamir demanded to prosecute Avraham Shalom, head of the GSS. Prime Minister Shimon Peres refused and removed Zamir from office, replacing him with Joseph Harish. In the Years 1988-1991 Zamir was president of the journalist committee. In December 1991 Zamir quit his job claiming that he is not trusted and has not authority, as he had no power to place sanctions over journalists who broke the ethical code. In 1991 was appointed Dean of the Law Faculty, just established, in the Haifa University, and served there until 1994. In 1994 was appointed as a Supreme Court Judge until the year 2001, when reaching the age of 70. In 2001 was head of the Jerusalem Center for Ethics, and between 2003-2007 was head of the committee in charge of creating ethical rules for the Knesset members. Zamir won many awards, such as Tzeltner's award for the research of law (1986), human rights award named after Amil Grintzwig (1986), and the Israel award for law research (1997).