20 (More) Incredible Israeli Women You Need To Know

3 years ago I wrote an article for international women's day highlighting some of the most impressive Israeli women. But the thing is, there are so many talented women it's hard to choose! So here, for this year, are 20 MORE incredible Israeli women you need to know!

20. Malka Rofe

Wikipedia

Malka Rofe was a Palmach fighter who set up the first covert radio transmitter in Baghdad for the rescue of Iraqi Jews to Israel during World War II. She was part of the covert mission to rescue Jews in the face of rising persecution from the Nazi supporting Iraqi regime. Malka traveled from Israel to Baghdad and worked under cover as a British officer. Because of the heroic (and little known) efforts of Malka and those who worked on the operation, many lives were saved.

19. Ester Hayut

Wikipedia

Esther Hayut is the Chief Justice of the Israeli Supreme Court since 2017. Since 1990, Chief Justice Hayut has served as a judge in the state of Israel, and had a long and illustrious law career before that.

Fun fact: Chief Justice Hayut is far from the first female Chief Justice, in fact her predecessor in the role was also a woman! Former Chief Justice Miriam Naor.

18. Ghadeer Mreeh

Wikipedia

The first Druze Israeli journalist to anchor the news in Hebrew, Ghadeer has been a pioneer for women her the Druze community and the state of Israel.

17. Dorit Beinisch

* Government Press Office * / OHAYON AVI

The first ever female President of the Supreme Court of Israel, Dorit Beinisch was selected in 2006. She has long been admired for her legal prowess, but also as a role model for youth in Israel.

16. Orna Berry

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After she shattered every possible glass ceiling in high tech, and served as Israel’s chief scientist, Orna heroically fought a battle against cancer. She continues to serve as a inspiration to all women, and especially women in the field of science and tech.

15. A-WA - Tair, Liron, and Tagel Haim

A-WA is a talented trio of Israeli sisters who made it big in the last few years with their Arabic language hit song, "Habib Galbi." The trio is famous for their music which fuses Yemenite traditional music, hip-hop and electronic music.

14. Sarah Abu Kaf

Dr. Sarah Abu-Kaf, a faculty member and lecturer in cross-cultural psychology in Ben-Gurion University’s Conflict Management and Resolution Program, the first clinical psychologist in Bedouin society, and the first female Arab professor at Ben Gurion University. Dr. Abu-Kaf was selected as one of the 50 most influential women by Forbes Israel magazine.

13. Leah Goldberg

Wikipedia

Leah Goldberg was one of Israel's most talented and prolific poets, literary critics and translators. In 2017, Israel rolled out new bank notes featuring women in Israeli society. Today, Leah is featured on the 100 shekel bill.

Bank of Israel

12. Dana International

Dana International is one of Israel's most beloved singers. The winner of Eurovision for her song "Diva," Dana serves as an icon for the transgender community. She herself transitioned at age 13.

11. Yasmeen Abu Freiha

Yasmeen Abu Freiha is one of Israel's most respected doctors. Now, she is pioneering genetic testing In Israel's Negev Desert in order to assist her Bedouin community in preventing genetic diseases

10. Ofra Haza

One of Israel's greatest musical icons: Ofra Haza was often referred to as the "Madonna of Israel." The Grammy nominated artist was know for her powerful voice and her music style often alternated between traditional Middle Eastern style and pop music. Haza passed away in 2000.

9. Yarden Gerbi

Yarden Gerbi won the hearts of all Israelis when she won an Olympic bronze medal competing for Israel at the 2016 Summer Olympics, in Women's 63 kg Judo. She also won the gold medal at the 2013 World Judo Championships in the category 63 kg.

8. Shoshana Damari

Wikipedia

Shoshana Damari was known as the "Queen of Hebrew music." Damari was born in Yemen and immigrated to Israel in 1924.

7. Linoy Ashram

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Linoy has made all Israel proud with her impressive record in gymnastics around the globe. Linoy is the 2018 World All-around Silver medalist and 2017 World All-around bronze medalist.

6. Dina Samta

Wikipedia

Dina, who moved to Israel at the age of 10 from northern India, is a superstar member of the Shalva Band, and a student at Jerusalem's School for the Blind. She has been an advocate and leader for Israel's blind community, despite being only 21 years old.

5. Rachel Markovski Landau

Wikipedia

You may not have heard of her, but Rachel made history by being the first ever Israeli female pilot. Born in 1910 in Poland, Rachel moved to Israel and lived a long and full life until the age of 101.

4. Inas Wasal

Inas Wasal defied social constructs by becoming the first Arab Israeli female police investigator.

3. Prof. Marcelle Machluf

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Professor Machluf is a leading Israeli biologist who has revolutionized the right against cancer. She discovered methods of attacking cancer cells more selectively without breaking down other cells so severely.

2. Mai Korman

Though only a teenager, and struggling with a hearing impairment, Mai Korman has insight well beyond her years. As a high school student, Mai developed a unique notification system to alert parents if they had forgetfully left a child in the car - a mistake that can lead to tragedy in the hot climate of the state of Israel.

1. Rona Ramon

The "mother of Israel" Rona Ramon. An icon for all the people of Israel. Rona tragically lost her husband, the first Israeli astronaut Ilan Ramon, and her son, Assaf. Despite immense tragedy, Rona fought back by giving to the Israeli community and helping those around her cope with grief.

Rona founded the Ramon Foundation, which strives to provide the young Israeli generation with "academic excellence, social leadership and groundbreaking courage." She also worked for years to promote youth and children in Israel.

Rona passed away after a battle with cancer in 2018.

From young to old, there's no question Israeli women are leading the way in science, tech, medicine, arts, law, politics, and more. The future is female!