Stav Shaffir is renowned as the youngest woman ever elected to the Israeli Parliament, where she served for seven years. Rising to prominence as a leader of Israel’s largest social movement, which demanded significant reforms in housing and social services, she mobilized hundreds of thousands, capturing the national spotlight. When the government resisted change, Shaffir took her activism into politics, winning a seat in the Knesset.
At only 27, she made a significant impact on the Finance Committee, championing budgetary transparency, exposing hidden government expenditures, and combating corruption. Her ascendancy continued as she gained the second-highest rank in her party, led the Transparency Committee of Parliament, and chaired the OECD parliamentary committee for transparency and anti-corruption in 2017. She also spearheaded the parliamentary collaboration for a two-state solution, sustainable cities, and social justice.
As Shaffir delved deeper into Israel's political dynamics, she identified severe threats to its democracy from policies undermining the justice system and free media. Confronted with the chaos of four inconclusive elections in 2019, Shaffir recognized that the survival of democratic institutions hinged on establishing a cross-party, democratic union. She led the charge to forge this alliance, ultimately sacrificing her parliamentary seat to enable its creation.
Two years later, she won the second seat on her party list and founded the Transparency Committee of Parliament, where she served as chairperson for four years. In 2017 she became the chair of the OECD parliamentary committee for Transparency and Anti-corruption. She also led the parliamentary collaboration for sustainable cities and social justice.
In 2019, Israel entered a political turmoil of four consecutive elections leading to no result. Shaffir realized that the only way to stop the attack on democratic institutions would be to create a cross-party, democratic union between fractions on the center-left. She fought to establish that union – and eventually gave up her own seat for it to be built. The establishment of the Democratic Union paved the way for the diverse, unity government Israel has today.
Currently, Shaffir is a pioneer in social entrepreneurship, having founded the Shira Center, a groundbreaking program that integrates young adults with autism into university settings, enhancing inclusivity and leadership among students. She is also a research fellow at Reichman University, focusing on the future of democracy, and regular commentator on national television and newspapers. Her podcast, 'Could Be,' explores global challenges, aiming to broaden human imagination.
Shaffir holds an MA in Security and Diplomacy from Tel Aviv University and a BA in Sociology and Journalism from City University London, honored with the Olive Tree Scholarship.