Yaakov Hagoel

Yaakov Hagoel was born in 1971 in Tel Aviv

Yaakov Hagoel was born in Tel Aviv in 1971. His father's family is of Greek and Turkish origin, and his mother's family is of Polish origin. He grew up in Arad and joined the Betar youth movement as a child.

Before his army service he volunteered for a year in Ofakim. He served in a Nahal group and later in the reserves of the Gaza Division. He holds an LL.B. in law from Ono Academic College.

He became executive CEO of World Betar and chaired World Likud from 2015 to 2020. In 2010 he was chosen to head the WZO department for activities in Israel and countering antisemitism, which he founded. He served as WZO vice chairman from 2015 to 2020.

In October 2020 he was elected WZO chairman, and he was reelected in October 2025. From July 2021 to August 2022 he was acting chairman of the Jewish Agency, after Isaac Herzog became president. After October 7, he helped arrange housing for displaced Israelis and support for returning hostages.

He is married to Tehiya and has 4 children.