Joseph Bismuth facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Joseph Bismuth
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Roger Bismuth en 2012.
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Joseph Roger Bismuth (born November 4, 1926, died October 1, 2019) was an important businessman and politician from Tunisia. He became a senator in 2005. A senator is a member of a country's government who helps make laws.
He was elected to Tunisia's new upper house of government, called the Chamber of Advisors. At that time, he was the only Jewish person elected to a government role in the Arab world. Senator Bismuth was also part of a group called the International Council of Jewish Parliamentarians. This group connects Jewish politicians from different countries.
Joseph Bismuth's Early Life
Joseph Bismuth was born in La Goulette, a neighborhood near the Port of Tunis, on November 4, 1926. Before he became a politician, he was a very successful businessman.
He started his business journey in 1940, working in construction. Later, he created a large company called Groupe Bismuth. This company included many different businesses. They worked in areas like selling goods, making chemicals, and producing electrical equipment.
Joseph Bismuth's Political Journey
Joseph Bismuth was the Vice-President of the Tunisian Confederation of Industry, Trade and Handicrafts. This group supports businesses and crafts in Tunisia.
On July 3, 2005, he was elected to the Chamber of Advisors. This made him the only Jewish politician in the Arab world at that time. He felt very proud and emotional about his election. He said it showed how open and accepting Tunisia was.
He also shared that he received congratulations from important Jewish leaders. These included leaders from the American Jewish Committee and the President of the European Jewish Congress.
In March 2012, Joseph Bismuth spoke out against people in Tunis who were saying hateful things about Jewish people. He told the press that he was worried about the future for Jewish people in Tunisia.
Family Life
Joseph Bismuth was married two times and had six children. He had three children, Jacqueline, Michelle, and Philippe, with his first wife, Yvette. He had three more children, Stephen, Jean, and Peter, with his second wife, Aase, who was from Denmark.
Joseph Bismuth passed away on October 1, 2019.
External Links
- Jewish Legislators Build International Network
- Jewish legislators network, learn, visit ailing Sharon
- The International Council of Jewish Parliamentarians (ICJP)
- Tunisia looking for ties with Israel
