Former Knesset MK Marcia Freedman passes away at 83

• Author: GADI ZAIG
• Published date: 23 September 2021
• Publication title: Jerusalem Post, The: Web Edition Articles (Israel)

Freedman, who was born in Newark, New Jersey in 1938 and grew up in the bay area. She was the first known MK to come out as lesbian and the first American-born woman MK. She immigrated to Israel in 1969.

While serving as MK, she represented several left-wing parties such as Ratz, Ya'ad, and the Independent Socialist Faction.

cnxps.cmd.push(function () { cnxps({ playerId: '36af7c51-0caf-4741-9824-2c941fc6c17b' }).render('4c4d856e0e6f4e3d808bbc1715e132f6'); });

>

Freedman advocated for rights for women, LGBT, access to abortion, and Palestinian rights.

She was considered one of Israel's feminist pioneers, fighting to eliminate violence against women and raise the issue to the public. She was a co-founder of the first shelters for women who were victims of domestic violence.

"My idea was to set up a shelter for battered women and show that the phenomenon exists, and not turn the shelters into places of treatment. In my opinion, the treatment should be separated from the fight against violence. Battered women should be given much better conditions than those they have in...