He was an author, journalist and broadcaster before entering politics in 1999. Born in Yugoslavia in 1931, he later emigrated to Israel in 1948. As of 2003, he was living in Tel Aviv and was married with two children. Lapid is a Holocaust suvivor, a fact that affects his opinions about Israel and the world.
He holds a Law degree from Tel Aviv University. Former chairman of the Israeli Chess Union. Former Director of Israel Broadcasting Authority, Chairman of Association of Cable Companies. Chairman of Sub-Committee on Foreign Affairs. Serves on two Knesset committees: Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee and Constitution, Law, and Justice Committee.
He currently (2003) serves as the Justice Minister ( שר המשפטים ) in Ariel Sharon's government.