Israeli politician and former judoka Olympian, Yoel Razvozov, has been appointed Israel’s New Minister of Tourism. Razvozov will work closely with the new government to create and execute a plan to bring both domestic and international tourism back in Israel following more than a year of closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We’re excited to see this appointment of new Tourism Minister, Yoel Razvozov and we look forward to working with him to bring Canadian tourists back to Israel,” said Gal Hana, Israel Consul of Tourism for Canada. “Our ultimate goal is to ensure the health and peace of mind of all travelers, and this is yet another step in the right direction toward the long-awaited return of Canadian tourists.”

Razvozov, who first entered the Knesset in 2013, has served as Chairperson of the Sports Lobby of the Knesset and Chairperson of the Generation and a Half Lobby since 2015. In the 19th Knesset (2013-2015), Razvozov was appointed Chairperson of the Committee for Immigration, Absorption and Diaspora Affairs.

“My first task as Minister of Tourism is to build a correct and effective outline for the easing of conditions for tourists to enter Israel – of course, without endangering the citizens of Israel and in cooperation with the professional bodies in the Ministry of Health,” said Razvozov.

Prior to entering politics, Razvozov served as Chairman and Director of the Israel Olympic Committee (2008-2013) and held the sports portfolio in the Netanya City Council. Razvozov is a former judoka Olympian, and at the age of 16, was named an Israeli champion, holding the title for 10 consecutive years. He served as captain of Israel’s national Judo team, winning two silver medals in the European championship and representing Israel in the 2004 Athens Olympics.