From Trauma to Activism: Reut Ben Haim's Journey to Politics

Reut Ben Haim, an educator, social activist, and founder of the "Tzav 9" movement, has revealed her personal journey from surviving a violent assault 20 years ago to her current bid for the Knesset. Ben Haim described the attack by a stranger as a deeply traumatic experience that left her wanting to disappear, but credits prompt therapeutic intervention with helping her begin a long healing process.

This prolonged recovery, she explained, became intertwined with her public and professional life. Ben Haim, a mother of seven from Netivot, emphasized that her personal experience has fostered a unique sensitivity towards victims of assault, particularly in medical or physical interactions. She now volunteers to support victims from police stations to acute care rooms and has trained in trauma-informed guidance to help women and couples heal within their relationships.

Her public activism intensified significantly after the October 7th Hamas attacks. During the initial rocket barrages, a missile hit near her home, and her husband was called to reserve duty. She managed her seven children, eventually relocating them before returning to Netivot. Witnessing aid convoys to Gaza being blocked by protesters, Ben Haim, then just six weeks postpartum, felt compelled to act, describing the moment as a turning point where she realized the potential for direct action.

Ben Haim's involvement with "Tzav 9," which aims to prevent aid from reaching Gaza, has led to personal repercussions, including sanctions and an indictment, which she claims were handled improperly. She stated that these challenges only strengthened her resolve to advocate for others who lack the power to fight such injustices.

As she runs for the 26th Knesset on the Religious Zionism party list, Ben Haim asserts that her primary identity remains that of a mother, emphasizing the importance of personal example in raising children with devotion to God and the Jewish people. She believes everyone can contribute to the nation in their own way, fostering a spirit of self-sacrifice and connection to Israel.