Peres Center director Sharir to head Science, Tech Ministry

Ido Sharir promoted regional cooperation among Israelis, Palestinians in field of economics, hi-tech, environment; carried out joint educational activities for Israeli Jews, Arabs.

SEPTEMBER 1, 2014 04:31

Former president Shimon Peres. (photo credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM/THE JERUSALEM POST) — Former president Shimon Peres.

(photo credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM/THE JERUSALEM POST)

Ido Sharir, the director-general of the Peres Center for Peace for the last two years, will become – at 39 – one of the youngest directors-general in the government when he arrives at the Science, Technology and Space Ministry.

He replaces Bina Bar-On, who is retiring from the ministry after 30 years in the public sector.

Sharir, who previously served as chief of staff to then-president Shimon Peres, promoted regional cooperation among Israelis and Palestinians in the field of economics, hi-tech and the environment and carried out hundreds of joint educational activities for Israeli Jews and Arabs, as well as community projects to promote tolerance and cooperation in all levels of society.

Sharir, a major (res.) in the IDF, is a law and government graduate of the Interdisciplinary Center in Herzliya, married and the father of two.

The ministry said that Sharir has experience in the fields of science, technology and space from his work at the President’s Residence coordinating with other ministries, academia and private institutions in the field. Before that, he was head of the team of then-deputy defense minister Matan Vilnai.

Science Minister Yaakov Peri said Sharir has much experience in managing budgets and projects, and that his familiarity with the international sphere, especially in the Middle East, will help him develop the ministry.

His nomination was approved last week by the government.

Efrat Duvdevani will replace Sharir at the Peres center.