M O L E D E T . U S

BINYAMIN (BENNY) ELON

Member of Knesset Binyamin Elon, Chairman of the Moledet Party, has been active in Israeli political life for many years. Most recently, he served in Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's Government as Minister of Tourism, facing the many challenges of such an office in these difficult times. He promoted the development of the 'Land of the Bible' tours and enlarged the tourism budget of these areas and of Jerusalem.
Born in 1954, Benny Elon is a ninth – generation Jerusalemite, residing in the community of Beit El for the last twenty years. He is the proud father of six and grandfather of four.

MK Elon is the founder of the Beit Orot Yeshiva on the MT. of Olives, which he headed until his election to the Knesset in 1996 on the Moledet Party ticket. He then worked to unite the right – wing parties under one larger faction – the National Union.

He has served in the 14th and the 15th Knesset and was awarded the "distinguished Service" citation as voted by his political peers. His parliamentary duties include membership of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, Law and Justice, and Women's affairs Committees.

Jerusalem continues to be strengthened by his efforts to reclaim Jewish neighborhoods in all parts of the city, rendering any division of Israel's capital untenable.