Born in Rechovot in 1958, Menuchim served in the IDF in the paratroopers brigade and eventually reached the rank of captain. During the first Lebanon War he refused to report to reserve service because he identified it as an “anti-democratic choice” war, and ultimately served 35 days in prison because of this. In the years since Ishai has been within the realms of public education, commitment to democracy, and organizing activities against Israeli presence in territories (which he believes is occupation and oppression of Palestinian society). He also organizes demonstrations in front of prisons where refusniks are being held, and helps them financially and to gain international support. From 1981 – 2007 Ishai served as the spokesperson for the Yeshvul Movement, which is anti-occupation and pro-refusnik. From 1994 – 1998 he coordinated the Coalition for Freedom of Information, during which dozens of civil society organizations initiated, drafted, and fought together to pass a law in favor of freedom of information. Because of their work, a law was initiated in 1998 that redefined public information as common property, which has profoundly changed the relationship between authorities and citizens. Since the beginning of the al Aqsa intifada, Ishai has spoken out again human rights violations in the territories. He has taught political science at Hebrew University in Jerusalem and today teaches in the department for social work at Ben Gurion University. He is also the chief editor of November Books publishing company, and was the 2003 recipient of the Oscar Romero Award for “commitment to truth and justice”. He currently hosts the show “Music, Politics, and In-Between”.