Yanif

No one knows for sure, but presumably Yanif was a Israli soldier, who spent his time inventing card games rather than proactively defending his country. Apparently, this talent of his was greater than any other, for nowadays his only trace is a card game of the same name (generously, he also included his pal Asaf, as eponym for a very rare trump).

This card game however has entered the Israeli mainstream culture as part of the canon invariably taken in by military recruits. Therefore it can be taken for granted that every Israeli who has served in the army (virtually every Israeli) knows Yanif. And an ever increasing number of other nationals follows, thanks to the custom of embarking on extensive backpack travel after the end of service and teaching this marvellous game to everyone met. Quite an elegant way to become famous!

(Sociologist note: Who thinks, that the Israeli identity is created by jewism, hebrew or territory may be misled; it´s the Israeli Defense Force, which can be observed in frequent meetings of unacquainted Isreali travellers. Fascinating!)

(Personal note: Oddly, for the fourth time now I was taken to be an Israeli. I thought I resembled more of a Palestinian...)