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IWF Israel Events
The 2023 IWF Israel Award
Honoring Dr. Yofi Tirosh
Dr. Yofi Tirosh is a leading legal scholar, feminist advocate, and social activist.
As Vice Dean at Tel Aviv University’s Faculty of Law, she pioneers gender equality and anti-discrimination law in Israel.
A trailblazer in feminist legal thought, she combines academic research with impactful activism, leading the fight against women’s exclusion from public spaces. Over the past decade, she has been a driving force in shaping public awareness and policy.
Beyond academia, Tirosh serves on government committees and human rights organizations, influencing legal and ethical frameworks. Often called a “one-woman human rights organization”, she tirelessly advances justice and equality.
Dr. Tirosh is a visionary leader, courageous advocate, and force for change, shaping Israel’s legal and social landscape.
The 2024 IWF Israel Award
Honoring Lt. Col. Or Ben Yehuda
The IWF Israel Award for 2024 is presented to Lt. Col. Or Ben Yehuda, a distinguished IDF officer and trailblazing leader who has redefined women’s roles in military command.
As Commander of the Caracal Battalion, she has led with courage, resilience, and strategic vision. She was the first female cadet in the Gafen Battalion officer course and later the first company commander in the Lahav Combat Officer Course. Her bravery was recognized in 2015, when she received the Southern Command Citation and the IDF Chief of Staff’s Award for Excellence.
On October 7, 2023, stationed at the Egyptian border, she made a critical decision to close a key route, preventing further attacks. She joined forces with combat units beyond her designated area, leading her soldiers to Sufa Outpost, where they fought valiantly to halt Hamas' offensive.
A visionary leader and role model, Lt. Col. Ben Yehuda embodies intelligence, bravery, and determination. She has paved the way for countless women in the military and security forces, proving that leadership knows no boundaries. We honor her for her exceptional service and unwavering commitment to Israel’s security.
Honoring Attorney Yael Vias Gvirsman
Webinar on Women on the Frontline - February 2024 in collaboration with INSS Institute for National Security Studies
For over two decades, Attorney Yael Vais Gibertzman has been a leader in international criminal law and human rights. A graduate of Utrecht University with honors, she was the first Israeli lawyer to directly litigate before the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague.
Following the October 7 attacks, Yael founded October 7 Justice, an independent initiative ensuring justice for victims and their families. She has led legal action against those responsible, forging partnerships with experts and survivors to preserve evidence, conduct investigations, and initiate judicial proceedings- all without government funding. Since October 15 , 2023, Yael has represented over 250 families of hostages, missing persons, and victims. By October 31, she had already filed the first legal claim on behalf of October 7 victims in The Hague.
She continues to lead delegations of victims to testify before ICC investigators and maintains direct contact with court officials.Yael is driven by a deep sense of historical responsibility, believing that a legal ruling from an authoritative court will establish the truth- that the October 7 attacks were crimes against humanity, including murder, torture, and sexual violence against innocent civilians.
Webinar: Women on the Frontline
In collaboration with the INSS- February 2024
The Institute for National Security Studies and the Israel chaper of the IWF hosted a conference on the current reality that has places women in the front lines, and addressed different aspects of the impact of the ongoing was on women in Israel.
Webinar: Women in healthcare- May 2024
Insightful conference focusing on the unique challenges faced by women leading health institutions during the current reality in Israel- how women doctors at the healthcare arena navigate these extraordinary circumstances, discussing their coping strategies and invaluable contributions to national resilience.
