World WIZO (Women’s International Zionist Organization) on Friday announced the death of its former president and honorary life president, Tova Ben-Dov, in Tel Aviv at the age of 88.
Ben-Dov was born in Tel Aviv to parents from a Zionist family that was one of the founders of the Jewish state. For six decades, she devoted herself to WIZO.
Starting her career as a volunteer at the Herzliya Pituach branch, Ben-Dov became a respected leader on the national and international stage.
Working her way up the WIZO ladder, she held several leadership positions, including president of World WIZO from 2012 to 2016. She also served as vice president of the World Jewish Congress, a member of the executive committee of the Jewish Agency for Israel and a member of the International Council of Women.
Among other things, Ben-Dov founded the Open House in Sderot, named after former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, as well as the first secure daycare center in the southern Israeli city. During her tenure, WIZO won the Israel Prize in 2008 for its contribution to advancing the status of women and gender equality.
In 2011, Ben-Dov was honored with the Yakir Tel Aviv-Yafo award in recognition of her dedication to the well-being of the city, and in 2016, she was awarded the title of honorary fellow of the World Zionist Congress.
World WIZO chairperson Anita Friedman paid tribute to her as “a courageous and inspiring leader who was the beating heart of WIZO.”
“For sixty years, Tova devoted her heart and soul to WIZO—a lifetime of love, leadership and giving to women, children and families in Israel. Tova bridged generations and continents with a deep faith in the righteousness of our cause and a profound love for humanity,” Friedman said.
“She believed in the power of women to change reality, and through her vision, WIZO became an international movement that connects and empowers. Her path, her spirit and her legacy will continue to guide us in everything we do.”
Ben-Dov is survived by three children, seven grandchildren and a great-granddaughter. Her funeral was scheduled for Oct. 19 at the Kiryat Shaul Cemetery in Tel Aviv.
