Suissa, Eli

(1956- )

   Born in Morocco, he was brought to Israel by his family that same year. He had an Orthodox religious education and completed his service in the Israel Defense Forces in the elite Golani Brigade and as an officer in the army's chaplaincy. A founding member of the Sephardi Torah Guardian (SHAS) Party, he was appointed to the SHAS-controlled Interior Ministry, first in charge of the Jerusalem district and later as deputy director general of the ministry. Though not a member of the Knesset, he served as interior minister under Benjamin Netanyahu (July 1996-June 1999). He also served as minister of religious affairs from August 1998 to June 1999. Reelected to the 15th Knesset in 1999, he was appointed minister of national infrastructure in the government named by Ehud Barak. From March 2001 to February 2003, Suissa served as minister without portfolio with responsibility for Jerusalem affairs in the government headed by Ariel Sharon. He was reelected to the 16th Knesset on the SHAS list in 2003, as well as to the 17th Knesset in 2006.

   See also Political parties; Sephardim Party.