What’s happening:

Amnon Rubinstein, renowned Israeli jurist, legislator, and educator, passed away at the age of 92.

Why it matters:

As a pivotal figure in shaping Israel’s legal system, Rubinstein’s legacy includes authoring foundational protections for Israeli citizens in the absence of a formal constitution. He was seen as Israel’s closest equivalent to a constitutional founding father.

The backstory:

Rubinstein, of Polish descent, was born in 1931 in Tel Aviv. He embarked on a political path after founding the key rights-based laws, the Basic Law: Human Dignity and Liberty and the Basic Law: Freedom of Occupation. As the first dean of Tel Aviv University’s law school and later as a lawmaker, his efforts were crucial to the formulation of Israel’s nascent legal framework. His collaboration with Yosef “Tommy” Lapid in the founding of the Shinui party marked a significant turn toward combating governmental corruption and promoting secular values within Israeli politics.

Political career:

Rubinstein’s commitment included various ministerial roles, specifically highlighting his tenure as communications minister and later as education, culture, and sports minister. His influence extended into the creation of Meretz, a merger that consolidated leftist political power, though his initial venture, Shinui, re-emerged independently afterward.

In his own words:

Despite a bizarre incident in 1999 where his death was mistakenly announced, Rubinstein displayed a sense of humor about hearing premature eulogies, displaying characteristic grace he carried throughout his career and public life.

Legacy and accolades:

Retiring from the parliament in 2002 after a striking 25-year presence, Rubinstein then pursued literary endeavors, publishing several novels through 2022. Recognized for his dedication to Israeli constitutional law, he was honored with the Israel Prize for legal research in 2006, cementing his place as a foundational figure in Israeli justice and democracy.

Reactions:

Rubinstein’s death was met with tributes and profound recognition of his contributions to Israeli society, articulated by figures such as Yair Lapid and former Meretz leader Zehava Galon. They memorialized him as a committed patriot, a leader, and an intellectual whose work and writings will endure.

This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.