Michal Herzog

Michal Herzog is an Israeli lawyer and the First Lady of Israel as the wife of President Isaac Herzog. A respected legal professional with a background in corporate and criminal law, she has also served on multiple corporate and nonprofit boards. As First Lady, she plays a supportive role in national and international affairs, while also promoting civic engagement, corporate ethics, and community responsibility.

Early Life

Michal Herzog (née Afek) was born in Kibbutz Ein Harod, Israel. Her upbringing reflected both academic and military influences: her mother, Zvia (née Brin), was a dedicated schoolteacher from Afula, and her father, Shaul Afek, was a decorated Palmach fighter who later became a colonel in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). She spent much of her early life in Tel Aviv and later in the Neve Rom neighborhood of Ramat HaSharon. During her childhood, she also lived in Brazil for a period, an experience that contributed to her broad worldview.

Michal is part of a distinguished Israeli family with strong ties to public service. Her paternal cousin, Sharon Afek, served as Chief Military Advocate General in the IDF, reflecting the family’s continuing legacy in national service. During her own IDF service, Michal was stationed in the Intelligence Corps. It was during this period that she met her future husband, Isaac Herzog, who would go on to become a prominent lawyer, politician, and ultimately President of Israel. The two married in August 1985.

Legal Career

Michal Herzog began her legal career after graduating from Tel Aviv University’s Faculty of Law in 1986. In 1988, she was officially licensed by the Israel Bar Association. Early in her career, she joined the prestigious law firm of Uri Slonim, where she worked on high-profile cases involving criminal defense and financial litigation.

Her legal clientele included notable figures such as Ronnie “Ofnobank” Leibowitz, a notorious bank robber whose case gripped the Israeli public. She also represented Dror Yitzhaki, then-head of the Shin Bet security branch, in proceedings related to the establishment of the Shamgar Commission after the assassination of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin. In 1993, she was involved in the legal representation of Bank Leumi during the aftermath of the 1983 Israeli bank stock crisis, a defining moment in the history of Israel’s financial sector.

In addition to her private practice, Herzog has been actively engaged in promoting ethical governance and corporate responsibility. She served on the board of directors of Ma’aleh, a nonprofit organization that advocates for corporate social responsibility and the development of responsible management standards in Israeli businesses. Her business acumen led her to directorial roles with Polar Investments and Friedenson Logistics Services, where she served as an external director.

Role as First Lady

Michal Herzog assumed the role of First Lady of Israel on 7 July 2021, following the election of her husband Isaac Herzog as the 11th President of Israel. In this capacity, she represents the State of Israel at various national and international events, participates in cultural and civic activities, and advocates for causes including social welfare, corporate ethics, and education.

Though she maintains a relatively low public profile compared to some of her predecessors, Michal has been praised for her professionalism, composure, and quiet leadership. Her background in law and corporate ethics lends credibility and gravity to her role, and she often uses her influence to support initiatives that build societal resilience and economic accountability.

Personal Life

Michal and Isaac Herzog have three sons: Noam, Matan, and Roy. The family resides in the Tzahala neighborhood of Tel Aviv, a quiet residential area known for its leafy streets and strong community ties. Despite her responsibilities as First Lady, Michal continues to balance public duties with private life, emphasizing the values of humility, service, and commitment to country.

• Date Of Birth: 15 May 1962
• Country: Israel
• President/ Head Of State: President Isaac Herzog
• Years in Office: 7 July 2021 - Present