Aliza Lavie

Aliza Lavie, PhD, is a former Member of the Israeli Knesset, lecturer, writer, chair of the Israel Film Council, and founder of the Shaycha venture for educational technology. Dr. Lavie served as chair of the Committee on the Status of Women and Gender Equality and chair of the Committee to Combat Women Trafficking and Prostitution in Israel’s Knesset. She is the recipient of the Outstanding Parliamentary Award for her contribution and ground-breaking legislation. Lavie served as senior lecturer at Bar-Ilan University, chairperson of the Herzl Center, and general director of the Public Council for Youth Exchange. In her writings, Lavie expands the Jewish-Israeli bookshelf, often restoring and reclaiming what has almost been lost. Her book A Jewish Women's Prayer Book was awarded the National Jewish Book Award. Lavie’s public activity focuses on social and gender equality, the intersection between religion and state, reinforcing the connection between Israel and the Diaspora, and strengthening the image of the State of Israel as Jewish and democratic. She seeks to engender connection and unity based on common identity, culture, and history and reduce tribalism, sectoral politics, and rifts in the Israeli sphere. Aliza is the CEO of Shaycha – a first-of-its-kind virtual journey that connects users to their Jewish heritage.