|
|
|
Beyond Division The Resilient Lives of Thirty Diverse Israeli Women Leaders By Bilha Chesner Fish, MD
Foreword by Professor Uriel Reichman
Beyond Division reveals how thirty religious and secular Jews, Christians, Druze, Ethiopians, Arabs, and other Israeli women from the North to the South lead lives of purpose in their polarized nation, whether they be a nationalist settler, a Yemeni singer, the Ethiopian minister of immigration, an Arab journalist, or a philanthropic sabra.
Based on in-person or virtual interviews conducted by the author in 2022 and 2023, (and one interview conducted after 10.7.2023), the stories of these accomplished women illuminate the mosaic of Israeli society today. They paint a vivid picture of Israel’s past, the everyday challenges the people face today, and in the future. Collectively, they provide an alternate portrait of Israel to counter the media’s barrage of stories on politics and divisiveness.
Among the thirty women featured are:
CEO of Diagnostic Robotics, Kira Radinsky; Artist and owner of Druze Holocaust Art Gallery, Bothaina Halabi; Former Knesset Minister of Immigration and Absorption, Pnina Tamano-Shata; CEO of Arabic News and Social Media Platform Bokra.net, Ghada Zoabi; Board Chair of Medinol and founder of the NJR School of the Heart, Judith Richter; CEO of Israeli Flying Aid, Gal Lusky; Particle Physicist and Social Activist, Shikma Schwartzman Bressler; and IDF Special Nachal Division and Kibbutz Kfar Aza member, Varda Goldstein
A native Israeli, Dr. Bilha Chesner Fish, who has been living in the U.S. for fifty years, has seen the worldview of her homeland diminish since she left to study medicine in Italy, raise her family in New York, and create a successful career in radiology. To reconnect with her homeland, and to better understand what life in Israel was like today in these especially troubled times, she embarked on a yearlong interviewing journey. She chose to speak to successful women of differing philosophies, cultures, and religions who broke glass ceilings–pioneers in technology and medicine, artists, philanthropists, academics, entrepreneurs, and business executives.
She recorded stories of their lives, many influenced by the miracle of Israeli statehood in 1948, unrelenting terror and wars through the years and a parliamentary system reeling from five elections in less than four years, and by the impact of the nation’s recent far-right policies and inequitable treatment of minority communities.
Dr. Fish skillfully weaves her memories of the Israel of her youth into the book showing how the familiar landscapes and original ideals have been transformed, yet still endure. She concludes that a nation divided can still be held together by a single person’s love of country and community. As stated in the book’s foreword by Dr. Uriel Reichman: “Dr. Fish’s book is not only one of promise and hope, but one that highlights the growing need for women in leadership.”
Dr. Bilha Chesner Fish, an Israeli American immigrant and distinguished radiologist and author, was born and raised in Haifa, journeyed from Israel in 1967 to medical school in Italy, to New York City’s most esteemed hospitals, and to Long Island, where she founded Manhasset Diagnostic Imaging and Pathways Women’s Health. She complemented her scientific pursuits with more creative and artistic endeavors, earning two master’s degrees in art history and studio art.
She is the author of INVINCIBLE WOMEN, inspiring first-person stories of 21 American immigrants who succeeded in their adopted country, a book she wrote to counter the anti-immigrant stigma growing in the U.S. A longtime advocate for women’s empowerment, Dr. Fish’s two books align with her commitment to stand up to hate, racism, and fear born of misinformation. She lives in New York City and Sag Harbor, New York.
Author website: https://www.bilhachesnerfish. Professor Uriel Reichman, the Israeli legal scholar and former member of the Knesset, established Reichman University where he was president for 27 years, is currently chair of its board of directors, and is the author of the foreword to Beyond Division. PRAISE FOR BEYOND DIVISION
“A unique picture of Israeli society that is particularly significant today…The documentation of our societal reality from the perspective of women leaders may help in understanding the causes of the current polarization, but, more importantly, can also help us identify sources of unity and hope.” — From the Foreword by Professor Uriel Reichman, founder and chairman, Reichman University, former member of Knesset
“A stunning achievement…Many authors have sought to portray the reality of Israel today, but I cannot recall a more vivid and revealing look at that nation than that offered by Dr. Fish’s interviews of an array of Israeli women, all having their say in their own words.” — Floyd Abrams
“Extraordinary…these important, in depth and significant stories provide a bridge that can help connect a dynamic and changing Israeli society with the world.” — Rikki Klieman, CBS News Legal Analyst
“A worthy addition to any women’s studies library… this enlightening collection of life stories gives us hope that obstacles can indeed be overcome and peace achieved, no matter how different we all are.” — Letty Cottin Pogrebin, author of Deborah, Golda and Me: Being Female and Jewish in America
“To understand Israel today, this is a must read. There has never been a better collection that captures the incredible pioneering, entrepreneurial spirit of Israel’s women.” — Marcy Syms
“Dr. Fish movingly demonstrates that Israel is more than a conflict zone. Through the stories of its exceptional women, she reveals Israel in all its diversity and complexity.” — Dr. Georgette Bennett, author of Thou Shalt Not Stand Idly By |
