Celebrating Courage: The Inaugural Women of Iron Awards

Eighteen Israeli women were recently recognized at the inaugural Women of Iron Awards, an event organized by Chochmat Nashim, an organization dedicated to promoting women's rights within the Orthodox Jewish community in Israel and the United States. The awards celebrated the honorees' accomplishments and paid tribute to the late Laura Ben David, a Jerusalem-based photographer who passed away from ovarian cancer in July. Among the awardees were notable figures such as former hostage Arbel Yehoud, bereaved mother Iris Haim, and paramedic Gitty Beer.

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Shoshanna Keats-Jaskoll, founder of Chochmat Nashim, emphasized the significance of the evening, stating, “These women represent hundreds more who have filled us with awe as they rose to heights of courage, strength, and leadership through the crisis of the last two years.” The honorees included a diverse group of activists, commanders, community leaders, and bereaved families, such as Ashager Araro, Michal Barkai Brody, and Dr. Tamar Shlezinger, among others.

Times of Israel

The event also served as a tribute to Laura Ben David, who was instrumental in the establishment of the Jewish Photo Bank, an initiative that provides stock photos depicting Jewish life for educational and advocacy purposes. Keats-Jaskoll remarked on Ben David's impact, stating, “Laura used photography to tell the story of the Jewish people, and women’s faces and voices are a major part of that.” She highlighted the importance of centering Jewish women's narratives, particularly in light of the challenges faced after the events of October 7, which underscored the need for women's testimonies to be acknowledged.

Times of Israel

The Women of Iron Awards not only recognized individual achievements but also aimed to inspire broader societal change. The event highlighted the resilience of women who have played pivotal roles in supporting and defending their communities during times of crisis, particularly during Operation Swords of Iron. Keats-Jaskoll noted that even while battling her own health issues, Ben David found inspiration in the courage of these women, stating, “Even as Laura fought her own health battle, we watched as these women rescued, inspired, and defended our nation, and they inspired her.”

Times of Israel

• “These women represent hundreds more who have filled us with awe as they rose to heights of courage, strength, and leadership through the crisis of the last two years,” — Shoshanna Keats-Jaskoll, Founder of Chochmat Nashim

Times of Israel

• “Laura used photography to tell the story of the Jewish people, and women’s faces and voices are a major part of that – both in countering the erasure we face in Orthodox spaces and fighting antisemitism around the world,” — Shoshanna Keats-Jaskoll, Founder of Chochmat Nashim

Times of Israel

• “Even as Laura fought her own health battle, we watched as these women rescued, inspired, and defended our nation, and they inspired her.” — Shoshanna Keats-Jaskoll, Founder of Chochmat Nashim

Times of Israel

The Women of Iron Awards stand as a testament to the strength and resilience of women in Israel, celebrating their contributions and ensuring that their voices are heard and honored.

The Jerusalem Report