Michal Sela's Sister Joins Politics After Personal Tragedy

Lily Ben Ami, sister of the late Michal Sela, has entered politics seven years after her sister's murder, joining the Yisrael Beiteinu party. Ben Ami stated that her decision stems from a desire to effect change that can only be achieved through political action, citing her 24 years of public activism, including her role in student unions, municipal politics, and national parent leadership.

Following her sister's brutal murder, Ben Ami founded the "Michal Sela Forum" to combat violence against women. She explained that while her work with the NGO was impactful, she encountered limitations, stating, "There are things that only politics can advance." She believes women should be in decision-making positions.

Ben Ami chose Yisrael Beiteinu because its core principles align with hers, and the party supported her during the traumatic aftermath of her sister's death. She recounted an incident where authorities informed her that the murderer, her sister's biological father, would have a say in the child's life from prison. This prompted her to question the system, asking, "Is this how it is in the State of Israel?"

MK Oded Forer of Yisrael Beiteinu helped pass legislation that protected her family and has since aided many others. Ben Ami feels that after seven years with the forum, it is time to return to her influential role in politics, bringing a voice to issues of preventing violence against women, entrepreneurship, and education, which she believes is not currently heard sufficiently in the Knesset.