14 women who have influenced Israeli society were chosen to light a torch in the traditional ceremony on the eve of Independence Day.
The ceremony, which lit 12 torches symbolizing the 12 tribes of Israel, was this year under the theme "Women's Time - Achievements and Challenges." The aim was to celebrate the status of women and honor women who have made significant contributions to society in various areas of life.
The ceremony will be attended by Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein, ministers and members of Knesset, the Chief of Staff, Major General Benny Gantz, bereaved families, IDF disabled veterans, soldiers and many invited guests.
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The women selected by a public committee headed by Minister of Culture and Sports Limor Livnat are theater actress Miriam Zohar; Rebbetzin Adina Bar Shalom, daughter of the late Rabbi Yosef, who founded the Haredi College; scientist Dr. Kira Radinsky; Kol Yisrael military correspondent Carmela Menashe; Hindia Suleiman, founder of a unique women's initiative in the village of Buaina-Nujidat in the Galilee; Tali Peretz-Cohen, director of an assistance center for victims of violence in the Galilee and the Golan; former MK Geula Cohen, who fought in the Irgun and Lehi and won the Israel Prize; National Student Council Chairwoman Gal Yosef; tennis player Shahar Peer; Paralympic athlete Pascal Berkowitz; Intel Israel CEO Maxine Fassberg; Miriam Peretz, an educator who raised two sons who died in operational activity; Israeli Ambassador to Ethiopia, Blaine Zebadiah; and outgoing head of the Israeli Defense Forces, Major General Orna Barabibai.
Adina Bar Shalom was introduced by the host, Yehoram Gaon, as a woman who combines gentleness and peace in her actions, and who brought about a breakthrough in the world of Haredi employment and education.
Bar-Shalom said in her speech, her voice choking, before lighting the torch: "I am honored to light this torch in honor of my father, Rabbi, and teacher, Maran Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, who passed away this year, and in light of his legacy, I continue with greater strength and determination.".
To the thousands of students who study in special education institutions, who integrate into society and achieve noteworthy achievements. To the thousands of women of the Haredi army, who assist in establishing the world of Torah and combine work with the home of Torah.
And to the honor of the integration of thousands of young Haredi Jews into the labor market, who enjoy the fruits of their labor, and sanctify heaven with their actions, and this and that are fulfilled in their hands, as the verse says: 'Your hand will reach because you will eat, and it will be good for you.'".
