Prominent anti-illegal immigration activist Sheffi Paz, who led protests against illegal immigration in south Tel Aviv, died at the age of 74, the Save Tel Aviv organization announced on Monday.
Paz, one of the leading figures in the protest movement among residents of south Tel Aviv's older neighborhoods, devoted many years to public activism aimed at improving residents' personal safety and changing government immigration policy.
Paz died following a battle with cancer. The disease was diagnosed for the fourth time over the past month, after she had previously battled cancer on three occasions.
The daughter of Holocaust survivors who immigrated to Israel from Poland during her childhood, Paz began leading the public campaign against the presence of illegal migrants in south Tel Aviv in 2013. Over the years, she organized demonstrations and protests, confronted government officials and local authorities, and became one of the most recognizable figures associated with the movement.
Her activism also led to confrontations with law enforcement authorities and legal proceedings. In September 2024, she was sentenced to 45 days in prison after being convicted of offenses related to her protest activities, including spraying graffiti and disturbing public order. Paz served her prison sentence and continued her public activism following her release.
Held to her demands despite personal price paid
In a statement, the Save Tel Aviv organization said Paz had dedicated the final years of her life to fighting for south Tel Aviv residents and refused to abandon her demands despite the personal costs she had paid.
The organization's deputy director-general, Amalia Ozer, and spokesperson, Yaakov Sela, paid tribute to her.
"Today we lost a courageous leader, a dear friend, and a woman who became a symbol of determination, dedication, and love for the country," they said.
"Sheffi dedicated her life to the residents of south Tel Aviv," the organization continued. "She was the voice of the invisible people, those who had been left behind, and proved time and again that even one person, armed with truth and faith in the justice of their cause, can shake an entire country."
The organization also addressed the legal proceedings brought against Paz over the years.
"Sheffi sought justice for neighborhood residents and was unwilling to remain silent in the face of injustice. Even when she was persecuted, arrested, and sent to prison, she continued to stand tall."
Concluding their statement, members of the organization pledged to continue the public campaign Paz had led.
'Struggle is not over'
"Sheffi is gone, but her struggle is not over. We pledge to follow in her footsteps, fight for south Tel Aviv, combat illegal immigration, and work until we achieve the goals to which she dedicated her life. May her memory be a blessing."
Paz's close friend and the organization's deputy director-general, Amalia Ozer, spoke to Walla on Monday morning about the loss and the period she spent accompanying Paz in the hospital.
"It was a very rapid and unexpected downward spiral," Ozer said. "The State of Israel has lost a precious asset, someone who cared for the invisible people. I'm not sure she can be replaced."
Ozer said they intended to continue Paz's work and the campaign she had led.
She recounted spending nights at Paz's bedside in the hospital for a month. Although they were aware that her condition was deteriorating, they had not expected the end to come so quickly.
"We didn't think it would end so quickly. Who could have imagined it would be cut short so suddenly?" she said.
Ozer added that the question of who would carry on the campaign had occupied them even before Paz became ill.
"We always talked about who would inherit the struggle. I'm the one who does all the parliamentary work, but I'm not her. Sheffi is the recognizable face of our movement."
"I have never known anyone so inspiring, especially at her age," Ozer added. "A 74-year-old woman who, until her very last moment, functioned like a lioness."