Dr. Aharon Yosef Agranat (1881-1946) was born in Chislavichi. He started his Jewish studies in Mir and Smyatich yeshivas and in 1899 received rabbinical ordination. In his young years, he joined the Zionist movement and proved to be gifted speaker, explaining the Zionism cause in front of numerous Jewish audiences. In 1901 he was elected a delegate to the Conference of Russian Zionists in Minsk. In 1902 he emigrated to the USA, completed his general education and studied medicine at Chicago University. He graduated from the university as Doctor of Medicine and Doctor of Dental Medicine. In addition to his professional duties, he became involved in Jewish politics and joined Poalei Zion, taking responsibility of Zionist and cultural aspects of the Party's activities. He was close to Chaim-Nachman Bialik and Shmaryahu Levin. His articles on education and development of prayer customs were published in american Jewish newspapers. In 1923 he made his aliyah to Eretz Israel and settled in Haifa. He continued his professional activities as a dentist, and public work as the Chairman of Dentist's Union of Haifa, and later - of All-Israel. In addition, he was the Chaiman of "Mif'al Ha-Tora" in Haifa, the Chairmen of the Committee for construction of a synagogue on Carmel mountain, a member of the Committee of Ohel Shem synagogue, there he lectured from time to time. His son Shimon was a judge at the Supreme Court.

(The source: "Encyclopedia of the Founders and Builders of Israel" by David Tidhar)