Esther Eillam

Esther Eillam
אסתר עילם
Esther Eillam at the 2013 Tel Aviv SlutWalk, speaking from the stage
Born(1939-07-12)July 12, 1939
DiedJuly 29, 2023(2023-07-29) (aged 84)
NationalityIsraeli
Alma materTel Aviv University
Known for"Founding Mother" of Israeli feminism
MovementAchoti - for Women in Israel

Esther Eillam (in Hebrew: אסתר עילם‎; July 12, 1939 – July 29, 2023) was a central figure in Israeli feminism from its inception. Eillam's activism and her writings on feminism and social justice have garnered her awards and recognition, including an honorary doctorate from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

Eillam was an originator and founder of The Feminist Movement in Tel Aviv (1971), and one of the founders of the Israeli Center for Assistance to Victims of Sexual Assault, and one of the founders of the Mizrahi feminist organization, Ahoti - for Women in Israel (Ahoti/Achoti = [my] sister). She was active in various fields in Israeli feminism, including politics, culture, and education. She was the organizer of major events in Israel against sexual and gender violence, and was also active in the cause of peace.