October 19, 1959
Nir Barkat is born in Jerusalem. He serves as the city’s mayor from 2008 to 2018, then joins the Likud party to run for the Knesset.
After completing his military service in 1983, Barkat earns a bachelor’s in computer science from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. In 1988 he founds the software company BRM, which specializes in antivirus software. The company becomes an incubator venture firm that invests in companies such as Check Point and Backweb.
In 1999, the Barkat family begins exploring the educational gaps in Jerusalem through an investment in the Snunit Center for the Advancement of Web Based Learning, a nonprofit organization that uses online resources to improve education and boost personal and social growth in Israel. In January 2003, Barkat founds Yerushalayim Tatzli’ah (Jerusalem Will Succeed) and runs for mayor but loses to Uri Lupolianski.
In November 2008, Barkat wins the mayoral contest with 52% of the votes against Lupolianski and Meir Porush. He wins re-election in October 2013 with 52% with endorsements from the Labor and Meretz parties.
Barkat focuses on enhancing culture, promoting tourism, addressing social welfare issues, encouraging high-tech development, and providing opportunities for the ultra-Orthodox and Arab communities.