Born: 1969
Biography:
Michal Rozin (Hebrew: מיכל רוזין, born 25 June 1969) is an Israeli politician and prominent advocate for women’s rights and social equality. Throughout her career, she has been committed to promoting progressive values and fighting for justice and inclusivity in Israeli society. Known for her strong dedication to gender equality, Rozin has left an indelible mark on the political landscape of Israel.
Rozin’s political journey can be traced back to 2013 when she was first elected to the Knesset as a member of the Meretz party. She quickly emerged as a fierce advocate for the rights of marginalized groups and became a vocal proponent of feminist causes. During her initial term in the Knesset, she chaired the influential Committee on Foreign Workers, where she tirelessly fought for the rights and protection of migrant workers.
Not content with just one role, Rozin also assumed leadership positions for three different lobbies: the Lobby for Equality in Employment, the Lobby for Female Knesset Members, and the Lobby for Equality and Pluralism. With her unwavering determination, she championed the cause of gender equality, constantly pushing for measures to address the gender pay gap, workplace discrimination, and other barriers faced by women.
Rozin’s influence extended beyond the political realm. She is an active member of Women of the Wall, an organization advocating for gender equality and religious freedom at the Western Wall in Jerusalem. As a believer in the coexistence of religious freedom and feminism, she has consistently worked towards creating a more inclusive and tolerant society.
In recognition of her outstanding contribution to Israeli politics, Michal Rozin was awarded the Israel Democracy Institute’s Outstanding Parliamentarian Award of 2013. Alongside Amram Mitzna, she received this prestigious honor for her relentless efforts in advancing the rights of women, children, and disadvantaged groups. This accolade only solidified her reputation as a driving force for change.
One of Rozin’s most notable actions came in January 2015 when she conducted mock gay weddings outside the headquarters of the Jewish Home party as a protest against their staunch opposition to same-sex marriage. By publicly challenging discriminatory policies, Rozin amplified the voices of the LGBTQ+ community and pushed for greater inclusivity in Israeli society. Her courage and commitment to equality earned her the respect of advocates for LGBTQ+ rights, leading to her ranking as the third most influential champion for these rights in the Knesset.
Rozin’s impact was resoundingly acknowledged by voters as she was re-elected to the Knesset in both the 2015 and 2019 elections, reaffirming her popularity and the recognition of her invaluable contributions. Her remarkable journey ultimately came to an end in 2022, after serving two terms in office.
Through her tireless work, Michal Rozin has left an indelible imprint on the political arena of Israel. She has shown remarkable dedication to advancing social justice, specifically concerning women’s rights, religious freedom, and LGBTQ+ equality. Rozin’s legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of activists and politicians committed to building a more inclusive and egalitarian society.
Awards:
-Israel Democracy Institute’s Outstanding Parliamentarian Award of 2013