Dr. Nachman Shai is Israel's Minister of Diaspora Affairs. Minister Shai took on this position after many devoted years both professionally and personally in service of Israel and the strengthening of the relationship between the Jewish state and Jewish people. The Minister served as a member of the Knesset representing the Labor party from 2009-2019. During his time in the Knesset, Shai founded and co-chaired the "Caucus for Strengthening the Jewish People."

Minister Shai has held a number of positions in government, military and media. Most predominantly, he served as the Israel Defense Force Spokesperson with the rank of Brigadier General and was Commander and Editor in Chief of Israel Army Radio. Following his military career, the Minister held several position in government, including as Director General of the Ministry of Science, Culture and Sport. The Minister also served as the senior vice president and director general of the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) in Israel. Before taking on his current position, Minister was a visiting professor on US college campuses, teaching Israeli public diplomacy.

The Minister holds a Ph.D. in political science and communications from Bar Ilan University. His doctorate work was titled, ”Public Diplomacy and Low Intensity Conflict in Israel, 2000-2005.”  Minister Shai has published three books focused on the intersection of Israeli diplomacy, media and security.