Israeli Culture and Sport Minister Limor Livnat
Special plans are afoot for Israel’s 66th birthday celebration. On May 5, the theme of the ceremony kicking off Israeli Memorial Day and Independence Day events on Mount Herzl is “The Era of Women: Achievements and Challenges.” Independence Day torches, featured annually at the official state ceremony, will be lit exclusively by 14 notable women this year.
Israeli Culture and Sport Minister Limor Livnat introduced the government’s yearlong focus on the achievements and challenges of today’s Israeli woman, in recognition of those women who have made significant contributions to both the State and to Israeli society as a whole in the arenas of science, culture, economy, defense, women’s rights, education, business, technology, the environment, and social activism.
“I congratulate the 14 women,” said Livnat “All are worthy and have made impressive achievements. The list represents a unique mosaic of Israeli society and inspires female self-empowerment. Each woman made a significant contribution to Israel.” They are Major General Orna Barbivai, who is the Israeli army’s highest-ranking woman.
Adina Bar-Shalom, who was recently tapped for the Israel Prize for her pioneering work to bridge societal rifts and socioeconomic gaps.
Actress Miriam Zohar, who received the Israel Prize, in 1986.
Kira Radinsky, for her pioneering work in the field of web dynamics at the Israel Institute of Technology.
Belaynesh Zevadia, the Israeli ambassador to Ethiopia.
Carmela Menashe, military affairs reporter for Army Radio.
Hindia Suleiman, who founded an initiative to empower the women of Bu’eina-Nujeidat, an Israeli Arab village.
Tali Peretz-Cohen, whose rape crisis center comes to the aid of victims of sexual assault in the Galilee and the Golan.
Maxine Fassberg, CEO of Intel Israel and a leader of Israel’s burgeoning hi-tech industry.
Miriam Peretz, whose two sons were Israeli army officers killed in the line of duty in the Gaza Strip and in Lebanon.
Shahar Pe’er, a teenager who happens to be an Israeli tennis star, ranked 11th in the world. She is lighting a torch with Paralympics handcyclist Pascale Noa Bercovitch.
Geula Cohen, a former member of the Knesset, who will light a torch with Gal Yoseph, chairwoman of Israel’s National Students Council.
They were selected by the members of a special committee who were asked to select women of great accomplishment from across Israel’s diverse population.
