Prominent Educator and Social Activist Ofra Zeidman Dies at 77

Ofra Zeidman (Kochavi-Zeidman), a noted educator and social activist, has passed away. She was the daughter of Ephraim and Esther Kochavi. Her funeral is scheduled for Friday, October 2, 2026, at 13:00 at the Yarkon Cemetery.

Zeidman served as the chairwoman of the board of directors for the "Kedma" association, which works to promote equality and social justice in the education system, with a focus on geographic and social peripheries. In this role, she headed the "Education Activist Award" committee, recognizing educators, academics, and civil society figures driving social change and equal opportunity.

Throughout her career, Zeidman led major philanthropic organizations aimed at reducing societal gaps in Israel through higher education. She was the CEO of the ISEF Foundation (International for Education) and the CEO of the Safra Family Scholarship Fund. Additionally, she was active locally as the chairwoman of the education committee for the southeast district of the Tel Aviv-Yafo Municipality, where she advanced programs to improve academic achievements in the Hatikva neighborhood and other areas.

Journalist and social activist Hana Kim eulogized Zeidman, stating, "Thank you for all you gave me, Ofra. Thank you for the long conversations in which we shaped our worldview, demanding social justice and rectifying discrimination without forgetting the struggle for the here and now. Thank you for the holidays at the Kochavi family home in the Sha'ariya neighborhood of Petah Tikva. Farewell, my dear, we will meet again."

Her family will be observing Shiva, the traditional seven-day mourning period, at her residence in Tel Aviv. The Shiva will begin on Saturday evening, October 3, and conclude on Friday morning, October 9, with visiting hours from 09:30 to 13:00 and 16:00 to 20:00.