Yahya Sinwar, born in 1962 in the Khan Younis refugee camp in Gaza, became a key leader of Hamas, a Palestinian Islamist movement. He co-founded the military wing of Hamas, Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, in the 1980s and was arrested by Israel in 1988 for orchestrating attacks. Released in 2011 during a prisoner exchange, Sinwar rose to lead Hamas in Gaza in 2017. Known for his hardline views, he played a major role in directing armed resistance against Israel until his death in 2024​

Yance Ford is an American filmmaker and documentarian known for their groundbreaking work in the world of non-fiction cinema. Born in 1972, Yance Ford made history as the director of the documentary film "Strong Island," released in 2017. "Strong Island" explores the murder of Ford's brother, William Ford Jr., and the systemic issues of racial injustice and violence that surrounded the case. The film received critical acclaim and became the first-ever transgender director to be nominated for an Academy Award. Yance Ford's work not only delves into personal narratives but also addresses broader themes of race, identity, and social justice, making a significant impact on the documentary film genre.

Yusef Komunyakaa is a highly acclaimed American poet known for his powerful and evocative verse. Born on April 29, 1941, in Bogalusa, Louisiana, Komunyakaa's poetry often explores themes of race, identity, history, and the human experience. He gained widespread recognition for his poetry collection "Neon Vernacular: New and Selected Poems," which won the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1994. His work is known for its vivid imagery, musicality, and profound exploration of personal and collective memory. Yusef Komunyakaa has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to American literature, including the Ruth Lilly Poetry Prize and the Kingsley Tufts Poetry Award. His poetry collections include "Dien Cai Dau," "Magic City," and "The Chameleon Couch," among others. In addition to his work as a poet, Komunyakaa has also been involved in academia, teaching creative writing and literature at various universities. His poetry continues to be celebrated for its ability to illuminate the complexities of the human condition and the world in which we live.

Yusuf Hamied is an Indian chemist and businessman known for his significant contributions to the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in the field of affordable access to medicines. He was born on July 25, 1936, in Vilnius, Lithuania, and is of Indian and British descent. Yusuf Hamied is the chairman of Cipla Limited, a leading Indian pharmaceutical company founded by his father in 1935. Under his leadership, Cipla has played a crucial role in providing affordable generic medicines, especially for diseases like HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria, in developing countries. His commitment to making essential medicines accessible to those in need has earned him recognition and praise from the global health community. One of his most notable contributions came in the early 2000s when Cipla offered low-cost generic versions of antiretroviral drugs for the treatment of HIV/AIDS. This move significantly lowered the cost of HIV treatment and had a positive impact on millions of people worldwide. Yusuf Hamied's work in the pharmaceutical industry and his advocacy for affordable healthcare have made him a prominent figure in the global health arena. His efforts continue to have a significant impact on improving access to essential medicines for patients in developing countries.

Yo Yo Honey Singh, whose real name is Hirdesh Singh, is a highly popular Indian music producer, pop singer, and film actor. He was born on March 15, 1983, in Hoshiarpur, Punjab, India. Honey Singh is known for his contributions to the Indian music industry, particularly in the genre of Punjabi and Bollywood music. Honey Singh's music is characterized by its catchy beats, energetic compositions, and often upbeat and party-themed lyrics. He gained immense popularity in the early 2010s with hit songs like "Angreji Beat," "Brown Rang," and "Dope Shope," which helped him establish a massive fan base. While he achieved great commercial success, Honey Singh also faced criticism for some of his song lyrics, which were deemed misogynistic and offensive. He took a hiatus from the music industry to focus on his health and mental well-being. Honey Singh made a comeback in the music scene in the mid-2010s with a more conscious and refined approach to his music. He has continued to produce and release songs, often featuring in Bollywood film soundtracks. His influence on the Indian music industry is undeniable, and he remains a prominent figure in the world of Punjabi and Bollywood music. Honey Singh's career has been marked by both commercial success and controversy, making him a polarizing figure in the Indian music scene.

Yasser Arafat, born Mohammed Abdel Rahman Abdel Raouf Arafat al-Qudwa al-Husseini on August 24, 1929, was a Palestinian political leader and the longtime chairman of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). He is one of the most prominent figures in the Palestinian struggle for self-determination and statehood. Key points about Yasser Arafat's life and career include: Palestinian Liberation: Yasser Arafat played a central role in the Palestinian struggle for independence and the establishment of a Palestinian state. He co-founded Fatah, a Palestinian political and military organization, in the late 1950s, and later became the leader of the PLO. PLO Leadership: Arafat assumed the leadership of the PLO in 1969 and led the organization for several decades. He sought international recognition for the Palestinian cause and advocated for the establishment of a Palestinian state alongside Israel. Oslo Accords: In 1993, Arafat and Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin signed the Oslo Accords, a series of agreements that laid the groundwork for limited Palestinian self-rule in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Arafat returned to the Palestinian territories from exile and became the leader of the newly formed Palestinian Authority. Nobel Peace Prize: In 1994, Arafat, along with Rabin and Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for their efforts in the peace process. Challenges and Controversies: Arafat's leadership faced challenges, including internal divisions among Palestinian factions and accusations of corruption within the Palestinian Authority. His leadership style and political decisions were the subject of both praise and criticism. Death and Legacy: Yasser Arafat died on November 11, 2004, in a French military hospital. The exact cause of his death remains a subject of debate. Arafat is remembered as a symbol of the Palestinian national struggle and continues to be a polarizing figure in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Yasser Arafat's legacy is complex, reflecting the complex and enduring nature of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. His leadership and efforts to secure Palestinian self-determination left a lasting impact on the region's political landscape.

Yasmine Hamdan is a Lebanese singer, songwriter, and actress known for her unique and innovative approach to music, blending traditional Arabic styles with contemporary influences. She was born on March 20, 1976, in Beirut, Lebanon, and has gained international recognition for her music. Key points about Yasmine Hamdan include: Musical Style: Yasmine Hamdan's music is characterized by its fusion of Arabic musical traditions, electronic elements, and a touch of indie pop. Her distinctive voice and songwriting often explore themes of love, identity, and cultural heritage. Soapkills: Yasmine Hamdan rose to prominence as one half of the electronic music duo Soapkills, formed in the late 1990s in Beirut. The duo was instrumental in introducing electronic music to the Lebanese music scene. Solo Career: After her time with Soapkills, Hamdan pursued a solo career. She released her debut solo album, "Ya Nass," in 2013, which garnered critical acclaim for its modern take on traditional Arabic music. International Recognition: Yasmine Hamdan's music has gained a global following, and she has performed in various countries, including France, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Her work has been featured in films, including the soundtrack for the acclaimed film "Only Lovers Left Alive." Film and Acting: In addition to her music career, Yasmine Hamdan has appeared in films and television shows. She gained recognition for her role in the Lebanese film "Caramel" (2007), which explored the lives of women in Beirut. Yasmine Hamdan's innovative and genre-blending music has made her a significant figure in the world of contemporary Arabic music. Her ability to bridge cultural influences while preserving the essence of traditional Arab music has earned her praise from both fans and critics alike.

Yannick Noah is a former professional tennis player from France who was born on May 18, 1960, in Sedan, France. He is best known for his remarkable tennis career, which included winning the French Open men's singles championship in 1983, becoming the last Frenchman to achieve this feat as of my last knowledge update in September 2021. Noah's powerful serve and charismatic on-court presence made him a fan favorite during his playing days. Beyond tennis, he is also recognized for his successful music career as a pop and reggae artist. With a unique blend of talent and charisma, Yannick Noah remains an iconic figure in both the world of sports and music.

Yanni, whose full name is Yiannis Chryssomallis, is a Greek-American composer, keyboardist, pianist, and music producer known for his distinctive style of instrumental music, often characterized as new age or contemporary instrumental. He was born on November 14, 1954, in Kalamata, Greece, and later became a naturalized American citizen. Yanni gained widespread recognition and popularity in the 1980s and 1990s with his live concerts and albums featuring his original compositions. His music combines elements of classical, world, and electronic music, creating a unique and emotive sound. Some of his most famous compositions include "Santorini," "Nostalgia," and "Aria." Yanni is also known for his grand and visually stunning live performances, often held at iconic locations like the Acropolis in Athens, the Taj Mahal in India, and the Forbidden City in China. These concerts have been broadcast globally and have garnered a massive international fan base. Throughout his career, Yanni has released numerous albums and has received multiple awards and accolades for his contributions to contemporary instrumental music. His music continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, making him one of the most recognizable and influential figures in the genre.