Israel – Like Her

Gisella Perl

Gisella Perl, a Hungarian Jewish gynecologist, faced unimaginable challenges during the Holocaust, working as an inmate gynecologist in Auschwitz. Despite limited resources, she performed countless abortions to save pregnant women from further suffering. After the war, Perl settled in New York City, where she became a renowned specialist in infertility treatment. Her memoir, “I Was a Doctor in Auschwitz,” provided a personal account of the atrocities witnessed and the resilience of survivors. Perl’s unwavering commitment to helping others serves as an enduring inspiration.

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Ada Yonath

Ada Yonath, born in 1939 in Jerusalem, is an Israeli chemist and Nobel laureate crystallographer known for her groundbreaking work on the structure of ribosomes. Despite financial challenges, Yonath excelled academically and pursued her passion for science. Her research on ribosome structure revolutionized our understanding of protein synthesis and led to advancements in antibiotic development. In 2009, she became the first Israeli woman to win a Nobel Prize in Chemistry.

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Esther Arditi

Esther Arditi (1937 – 2003), also known as “The Angel in White,” was an Israeli IDF medic, and the only woman to be awarded the Israeli Medal of Distinguished Service. She fearlessly saved lives during her remarkable career, displaying extraordinary heroism and selflessness. Arditi’s dedication to serving others and breaking gender barriers made her a trailblazer in the Israeli military, leaving a lasting impact on women’s history.

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Michal Rozin

Michal Rozin is an Israeli politician and advocate for women’s rights. Known for her dedication to gender equality, she fought for the rights of marginalized groups and chaired the Committee on Foreign Workers. Rozin also championed gender equality in multiple leadership positions and made significant contributions to LGBTQ+ rights. Her impactful career has left a lasting impression on Israeli politics and society.

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Julia Kempe

Julia Kempe is a renowned researcher in quantum computing, hailing from France, Germany, and Israel. She currently holds the esteemed positions of Director of the Center for Data Science at NYU and Professor at the Courant Institute. Kempe’s life and career have been marked by her invaluable contributions to the field of quantum computing, earning her recognition and praise.

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Dana Olmert

Dana Olmert is an Israeli left-wing activist, literary theorist, and editor. She is widely recognized for her contributions to literature and her work in advocating for social justice issues. Born in Jerusalem, Olmert’s academic achievements are noteworthy. She obtained a PhD in literature from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, specializing in “The Growth of Hebrew Poetry by Women During the Twenties: Psychoanalytical and Feminist Perspectives.” Her dedication to social justice is evident through her involvement with the organization Machsom Watch, and her courage and unwavering commitment to equal rights have made her a role model for young LGBTQ+ individuals.

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Yael Dayan

Yaël Dayan, an Israeli politician and author, has made significant contributions through her political activism and literary work. From being a Captain in the IDF to serving in the Knesset, she championed peace, women’s rights, and social justice. Her writing showcased her talent for storytelling and insightful commentary, while her political career reflected her dedication to creating a more egalitarian society.

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Yarden Gerbi

Yarden Gerbi is an Israeli former judoka world champion, known for her exceptional talent and determination. She achieved great success in her career, winning multiple Israeli championships and becoming Israel’s first female world judo champion. Gerbi also won a bronze medal at the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, solidifying her status as one of the greatest judokas in Israeli history.

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Inbar Lanir

Inbar Lanir is an Israeli Olympic judoka and world champion. She has achieved remarkable success in the sport of judo, winning championships and medals at various competitions. Lanir’s dedication to the sport, resilience in the face of challenges, and impact on women’s achievements in judo make her a trailblazer and role model in her field. With her goal-oriented mindset and unwavering work ethic, Lanir is poised for even greater success in the future.

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Shafi Goldwasser

Shafi Goldwasser, an Israeli-American computer scientist, is widely recognized for her contributions to cryptography. With a Bachelor’s degree from Carnegie Mellon and a PhD from Berkeley, she collaborated with Manuel Blum to propose the Blum-Goldwasser cryptosystem. Goldwasser’s research focuses on computational complexity theory and cryptography, and she is known for her work on probabilistic encryption and zero-knowledge proofs. Notably, she received the Turing Award in 2012 for her advancements in cryptography.

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Judith Gal-Ezer

Judith Gal-Ezer is an Israeli computer scientist and computer science educator known for her development of the high school computer science curriculum in Israel. She is a professor emerita at the Open University of Israel, with a career spanning several decades. Gal-Ezer’s contributions to computer science education have been recognized through various awards and honors. Her dedication has shaped the future of computer science education in Israel and beyond, making her an influential figure in the field.

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Keren Elazari

Keren Elazari, also known as k3r3n3, is an Israeli cybersecurity analyst, writer, and speaker. She is a senior researcher at the Tel Aviv University Interdisciplinary Cyber Research Center. Elazari’s interest in hacking began at a young age, and she went on to become a white-hat hacker. She has given several talks on the positive impact hackers can have on cybersecurity and is the first Israeli woman to give a TED Talk.

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Kira Radinsky

Kira Radinsky, born in Ukraine in 1986, is an Israeli computer scientist, inventor, and entrepreneur who has made significant contributions to the field of predictive data mining. She co-founded SalesPredict during her Ph.D. studies, which led to its acquisition by eBay in 2016. Radinsky gained recognition for her groundbreaking prediction of a cholera outbreak in Cuba and has been honored with various awards for her innovative work, including being named “Woman of the Year” by Lady Globes magazine in 2016.

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Dorit Dor

Dorit Dor, an Israeli executive and computer scientist, is best known as the Chief Technology Officer of Check Point Software Technologies Ltd, where she has made significant contributions to the field of cybersecurity. Her passion for technology and problem-solving emerged early on, leading her to excel in her studies and pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science and mathematics. Dorit’s talent caught the attention of the Israel Defense Forces, where she served in Unit 8200, eventually reaching the position of major. Her career at Check Point has been marked by her dedication and leadership, culminating in her appointment as the Chief Technology Officer in 2023. Dorit is recognized as a prominent figure in the field of cybersecurity and has received numerous awards and accolades for her contributions.

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Orna Berry

Orna Berry is an Israeli computer scientist, high-tech entrepreneur, and senior executive in the Israeli science and technology industries. She has made significant contributions to the field of computer science and has played a crucial role in promoting research and development in Israel.

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Rina Schenfeld

Rina Schenfeld is an Israeli choreographer and dancer who has made significant contributions to the field of dance. Her innovative use of physical objects in her performances and her mentorship of future generations have solidified her place as a trailblazer in the world of dance. Through her choreographic brilliance and dedication to her craft, Schenfeld continues to inspire generations of dancers and artists alike.

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Yael Rom

Yael Rom (1932-2006) was a pioneering female pilot in the Israeli Air Force, breaking barriers for women in the military and aviation fields. She was among the first women trained and certified by the force, paving the way for future generations. Rom’s exemplary service extended beyond her military career as she made significant contributions to education and equality, ensuring that individuals from diverse backgrounds had equal opportunities to succeed. Her determination and trailblazing spirit continue to inspire women in traditionally male-dominated fields.

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Golda Meir

Golda Meir, Israel’s first and only female Prime Minister, was known as the “Iron Lady” of Israeli politics. Born in Kyiv, Ukraine in 1898, she immigrated to the United States as a child and later settled in Mandatory Palestine. Meir played a significant role in Israel’s establishment and served in various leadership positions. Despite challenges, she exhibited strong leadership and diplomacy, leaving behind an enduring legacy.

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Tanya Reinhart

Tanya Reinhart was an influential Israeli linguist and activist who made remarkable contributions to linguistics and the analysis of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Despite facing challenges throughout her career, Reinhart’s work was highly regarded by Noam Chomsky. She explored various aspects of linguistics and her activism earned her respect and admiration. Reinhart passed away in 2007, leaving behind a legacy as a dedicated advocate for Palestinian rights and a prominent figure in the study of linguistics.

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Tamar Ariel

Tamar Ariel, Israel’s first female Orthodox pilot, broke barriers and inspired others through her determination and courage. Despite setbacks and a tragic end, her legacy continues to empower and inspire.

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Ágnes Keleti

Ágnes Keleti, the oldest living Olympic champion and medalist in history, was a Hungarian-Israeli gymnast and coach. She dominated the Hungarian gymnastics scene, winning the Championships ten times. Despite facing challenges during World War II, Keleti’s fighting spirit remained unbroken, and she went on to win numerous medals at the Summer Olympics. Her legacy in gymnastics is unparalleled, and she continues to inspire generations with her perseverance and determination.

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Keren Tendler

Keren Tendler, Israel’s first female helicopter flight mechanic, broke gender barriers in the military after women were allowed to serve in combat positions. Despite the challenges of her demanding role, Tendler overcame obstacles with intelligence, diligence, and perseverance. Tragically, her life was cut short during the 2006 Israel-Lebanon conflict when her helicopter was shot down. Her legacy lives on through a fund established in her name, empowering young women to pursue careers in aviation.

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Neta Bahcall

Neta Bahcall, an Israeli astrophysicist and cosmologist, has made significant contributions to our understanding of dark matter, the structure of the universe, quasars, and the formation of galaxies. She has held various positions at Princeton University and is currently the Eugene Higgins Professor of Astronomy. Bahcall’s work with the Hubble Space Telescope in mapping galaxies and calculating the mass of the universe has been groundbreaking. She has received numerous accolades, including being elected as a member of the National Academy of Sciences.

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Esther Eillam

Esther Eillam, born in Tel Aviv in 1939, is a prominent figure in Israeli feminism. Her activism and writings on feminism and social justice have made her a central figure in the feminist movement in Israel since its inception. Eillam’s tireless efforts have earned her numerous awards and recognition, including an honorary doctorate from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

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Anat Hoffman

Anat Hoffman is an Israeli activist and the Executive Director of the Israel Religious Action Center. She is also the director and founding member of Nashot HaKotel, also known as Women of the Wall. Known for her advocacy for gender equality and women’s rights at the Western Wall, Hoffman has been recognized for her prominent role in promoting religious pluralism in Jewish society.

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Netiva Ben-Yehuda

Netiva Ben-Yehuda, an Israeli author and former Palmach commander, defied societal norms by actively participating in battles during the time of Mandate Palestine. Despite her dreams of competing in the Olympics being dashed, she pursued her academic interests and became a talented writer and editor. Ben-Yehuda’s legacy as a trailblazer continues to inspire new generations.

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Stav Shaffir

Stav Shaffir is an Israeli politician and a prominent leader in the Israeli social justice movement. She has made significant contributions to promoting housing, public services, income equality, and democracy in Israel. Shaffir has played a crucial role in bringing attention to these issues and advocating for change.

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Iris Stern Levi

Iris Stern Levi, born in Jaffa, Israel in 1953, is a social activist and co-founder of non-profit organizations such as Her Academy and Turning the Tables. She is dedicated to providing vocational training to women who have experienced prostitution and violence. Through her work, Stern Levi has made a significant impact on the lives of survivors and has reshaped the conversation around women’s issues in Israeli society.

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Sarah Aaronsohn

Sarah Aaronsohn was a courageous woman who played a pivotal role as a spy during World War I. Born in Zichron Yaakov, Ottoman Syria, she was a member of Nili, a Jewish spy ring working for the British. Despite facing great risks, Sarah dedicated herself to gathering and passing valuable information to aid the British cause in Palestine. Her unwavering loyalty and sacrifice made her a martyr and a symbol of bravery. Sarah was posthumously awarded the Legion of Honor for her extraordinary valor and commitment to the Allied cause.