Dov Boris Khenin
Israeli politician, lawyer and activist (born 1958)
| Dov Khenin | |
|---|---|
| Image | |
| Born | 10 1 1958 (age 68 years old (as of 2026)
) Petah Tikva, Israel |
| Died | |
| Nationality | Israeli |
| Residence | |
| Occupation | Politician, lawyer, activist |
| Known for | Former Knesset member for Hadash; co-founder of Standing Together |
| Parents | |
| Spouse(s) | |
| Children | |
| Sibling(s) | |
| Website | |
Dov Khenin (born 10 January 1958), also known as Doc Khenin, is an Israeli politician, lawyer, and activist. A prominent Jewish-Israeli communist and former member of the Knesset for the left-wing Hadash party, he supports a two-state solution based on equality and the Green Line borders. He opposes the dissolution of the Jewish state, viewing binational one-state scenarios as unrealistic, and criticizes armed Palestinian resistance while condemning Israel's military occupation.[1][2]
Early life and education
Dov Khenin was born in Petah Tikva to David (Sasha) and Shulamit (Shula) Khenin. His father was a leading figure in the Communist Party of Israel (Maki) and Hadash. His mother was a preschool teacher and Communist activist. His paternal grandfather was a Chabad-Lubavitch Hasid. Khenin was named after his paternal uncle, who was killed in the Holocaust.[1][3]
He grew up in Tel Aviv, attended Tchernichovsky elementary school and Municipal High School 'H'. As a youth, he joined the Young Communist League (Banki). During his IDF service, he refused deployment to the West Bank and Gaza Strip on ideological grounds, serving as a staff sergeant.[4]
Political career
Khenin entered the Knesset in 2006 as a Hadash representative and served until 2019, initially with Hadash and later as part of the Joint List. He was the sole Jewish member of the Joint List during much of his tenure. Known as one of the most active MKs, he chaired the social-environmental lobby and authored numerous bills on social justice, environmental protection, and equality.[4][5]
In 2008, he ran for Mayor of Tel Aviv on a left-wing environmental platform, receiving a significant share of the vote. He resigned from the Knesset ahead of the April 2019 elections to continue activism outside parliament.[4]
Khenin served in the Knesset from 2006 to 2019 as a Hadash representative, later part of the Joint List, as its sole Jewish MK for much of his tenure. He ran for Tel Aviv mayor in 2008.[1] He co-founded Standing Together, focusing on Jewish-Arab solidarity.[6]
Political positions
One-State vs. Two-State
Khenin advocates a two-state solution as the viable path to peace.[7]
- Two-State Vision: He supports an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel on 1967 borders, partitioned Jerusalem, and full equality for Arab citizens in Israel.[2][7]
- One-State Stance: He calls one-state advocates "totally separated from reality", favouring ending occupation and mutual independence over a single state.[2]
The Dissolution of the Jewish State
Khenin does not support dissolving the Jewish state. He recognises self-determination for both peoples and opposes erasure of either nation's existence.[2][7]
The Palestinian Resistance
Khenin condemns the occupation but prioritises non-violent mobilisation and peacebuilding over armed struggle, arguing violence aids extremists. He promotes solidarity via Standing Together.[7][6]
Notes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 ECFR profile
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Mondoweiss, 2009
- ↑ Dov Khenin personal website (dovblog.org)
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Times of Israel, "Sole Jewish lawmaker on Arab list to retire from Knesset" (1 January 2019)
- ↑ Haaretz articles on his legislative work
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 +972 Magazine, 2025
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 Links interview