Shulamit Aloni 1928 - 2014

Shulamit Aloni, founder of the Meretz Party of Israel, former Education and Culture Minister and Israel Prize laureate, passed away this morning.

Aloni, who singlehandedly brought the issues of human rights into public discourse and turned them into the plaform for her party and policies, strove daily to build a just, egalitarian and decent society. With great courage, and often facing controversy and violence, she fought for peace with the Palestinians. Hers was a voice of freedom from oppression and from human exploitation, for the end of occupation. She relentlessly used her skills as a politician, a lawyer, a writer and a lecturer to promote her values and ideals, those of peace, and full equality for all, regardless of religion, sex, race of gender.

"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Shulamit Aloni" said MK Zehava Galom, leader of Israel's Meretz Party, "Shula was a great woman, brave and ground-breaking, who will remain forever an inspiration for all Israelis who hold human rights dear to their hearts. I and my friends at Meretz pledge to continue to work in her spirit and fight for her values and ours".