Born: 1928 (Tel Aviv, Mandate Palestine)
Died: 2011
Biography:
Netiva Ben-Yehuda was an Israeli author, editor, and media personality. She was born in Tel Aviv on July 26, 1928, during the time of Mandate Palestine. Her father, Baruch Ben-Yehuda, served as the director general of the first Israeli Ministry of Education.
At the age of 18, Ben-Yehuda joined the Palmach, the pre-state Jewish underground organization. She underwent training in various fields including demolition, bomb disposal, topography, and scouting. Despite the Palmach’s general opposition to women fighting at the front, Ben-Yehuda defied societal norms and became a commander in the organization. She actively participated in several battles, engaging in sabotage operations.
One event in particular left a lasting impact on Ben-Yehuda. On February 11, 1948, she and her comrades planted a mine for a busload of Arabs, causing fatalities. The consequences of this incident deeply affected her psychologically.
Ben-Yehuda’s dreams of competing in discus throwing at the Olympics were dashed when she suffered a bullet injury to her arm. Despite this setback, she continued to pursue her academic interests. She studied at the Bezalel Academy of Art and Design in Jerusalem and also delved into the field of Jewish philosophy at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
A talented writer and editor, Ben-Yehuda worked as a freelance editor throughout her career. In 1972, she published The World Dictionary of Hebrew Slang. However, her most notable contribution to literature came with the publication of her Palmach trilogy between 1981 and 1991. This three-part series of novels drew from her own experiences during the War of Independence.
Ben-Yehuda’s literary portfolio encompassed over 30 books, including the Hebrew slang dictionary co-authored with Dahn Ben-Amotz. Additionally, she hosted a popular late-night radio show on Israel Radio for 14 years. During her time on the airwaves, she played nostalgic Israeli songs and engaged with callers.
As a resident of Palmach Street in Jerusalem, Ben-Yehuda developed a strong attachment to the local community. The café she frequented on that street became known as Cafe Netiva, a testament to her impact on the neighborhood.
Netiva Ben-Yehuda passed away on February 28, 2011, at the age of 82. Her legacy as a trailblazer, both as a female Palmach commander and as a prolific writer, continues to inspire new generations.
Awards:
– Yakir Yerushalayim (Worthy Citizen of Jerusalem) award from the city of Jerusalem in 2004.