Ehud Barak

Born Ehud Brog in Kibbutz Mishmar HaSharon, Israel, Ehud Barak's lineage is about as Jewish as it gets, tracing back through Polish and Lithuanian rabbis. He later Hebraicized his surname to Barak, meaning "lightning," a fitting change for a man who struck fear into the hearts of Israel's enemies, and occasionally, its voters.

A bona fide military legend, Barak served 35 years in the Israel Defense Forces, rising to Chief of Staff. He's famously the most decorated soldier in Israeli history, having led daring operations like "Operation Isotope" to rescue hostages. After hanging up his uniform, he seamlessly transitioned to politics, eventually becoming Prime Minister in 1999, promising peace but delivering a second intifada.

His political career, while impactful, was a roller coaster of high hopes and dashed expectations. He’s been involved in various peace efforts, defense roles, and even some less-than-successful business ventures. Despite the political turbulence, his commitment to Israel's security and his Jewish identity has never been in doubt. He’s practically the poster child for "Jew by birth, Jew by choice, Jew by profession."