Former Israeli Ministry Director Yossi Silman Dies at 66

Yossi Silman, former Director-General of Israel's Ministry of Welfare and Social Affairs, passed away Thursday at the age of 66. The ministry, led by current Minister Haim Katz and Director-General Yinon Aharoni, expressed deep sorrow over Silman's death, remembering him as a dedicated public servant who served both the military and the public sector.

Silman served as Director-General of the Ministry of Welfare and Social Affairs from 2013 to 2015, under Minister Meir Cohen. He was noted for leading significant reforms in social services with sensitivity and leadership. Following his tenure at the ministry, Silman also served as the Director-General of the Holon Municipality from 2017 to 2020, and subsequently became the Director-General of the Pardes Hanna-Karkur Local Council in April 2021.

Prior to his civilian career, Silman had an extensive military career in the Armored Corps. He held various command positions, including commanding the Yiftach Brigade and Brigade 500, serving as the Operations Officer for the Central Command, and commanding the Sinai Division with the rank of Brigadier General (Tat Aluf). He was discharged from the IDF in 2003. Silman held a bachelor's degree in Logistics and Economics from Bar-Ilan University and a master's degree in Business Administration from Ben-Gurion University.