Kadish Luz (1905 – 28 June 1970) was an Israeli politician who served as a member of the Knesset for several decades, held ministerial responsibilities, and was Speaker of the Knesset during the mid‑1960s.
Early Life and Education
Kadish Luz was born in 1905 in the Russian Empire (in the region that is now part of Ukraine). He immigrated to Mandatory Palestine in the early 1920s, where he became involved in the Zionist labor movement and the agricultural settlement sector. Details of his formal education are not extensively documented in widely available sources.
Political Career
Knesset Membership
Luz was first elected to the first Knesset in 1949 as a representative of the Mapai party, the dominant labor Zionist party of the era. He subsequently retained his seat through successive elections, serving continuously until 1970. Over his tenure, Luz was affiliated with Mapai and, following its merger, with the Alignment (the coalition of labor parties).
Ministerial Roles
During the 1960s, Luz held cabinet positions, most notably serving as Minister of Agriculture. His term in this portfolio occurred during the early 1960s, a period marked by agricultural development and the implementation of policies supporting new settlements. Specific dates of his ministerial tenure vary among sources; however, his involvement in agricultural policy is consistently noted.
Speaker of the Knesset
From 1965 to 1969, Kadish Luz served as Speaker of the Knesset, presiding over the 6th and 7th parliamentary sessions. In this capacity, he oversaw legislative proceedings, represented the Knesset in state functions, and contributed to procedural reforms.
Later Life and Death
After concluding his term as Speaker, Luz remained a Knesset member until his death. He passed away on 28 June 1970. He was buried on Mount Herzl in Jerusalem, Israel’s national cemetery for public figures.
Legacy
Kadish Luz is remembered for his long-standing parliamentary service and his contributions to agricultural policy during a formative period of Israeli statehood. His role as Speaker helped shape the parliamentary practices of the Knesset in the early decades of the nation’s existence.
Note: While the above information reflects the consensus of available encyclopedic sources, precise dates for certain ministerial appointments may differ among references.