Ex-MK Emilie Moatti Reveals Breast Cancer Diagnosis, Vows to Continue Public Work

By מערכת ice

Translated & summarized from Ice by baba

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Hebrew · 13 newsrooms covering

Former Knesset Member Emilie Moatti revealed she was diagnosed with breast cancer in late summer, but is determined to continue her public and campaign activities. The 46-year-old politician, running in the upcoming elections, shared her diagnosis to encourage women to get screened, emphasizing that early detection saves lives. Moatti stated her recovery prospects are good and thanked the medical staff at Meir Medical Center for their care. Her announcement coincides with Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The story in 5 lines · by baba

Former MK Emilie Moatti revealed her breast cancer diagnosis, vowing to continue public work.
Moatti, 46, aims to encourage women's screenings by sharing her experience.
Her recovery chances are good, and she has asked her party not to reduce her campaign schedule.
The diagnosis comes during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October.
Moatti is running for Knesset with the Democrats party, currently polling at 9 seats.

Former Knesset Member Emilie Moatti, 46, announced on Tuesday that she was diagnosed with breast cancer in late summer. Moatti, who is running for the upcoming 26th Knesset elections with the Democrats party, explained in a personal statement that she initially withheld the news due to a fear of pity. "To my shame, I feared they would pity me then, so please don't," she wrote, adding that she decided to go public out of a sense of public responsibility and to encourage other women to get screened.

Moatti described her emotional state as "sad but very task-oriented," stating, "I'm doing what needs to be done and waiting for it to end." She acknowledged that the disease can bring feelings of loneliness and shame, offering solidarity to others facing similar struggles. Despite the diagnosis, Moatti reassured the public that the most difficult part of her treatment is behind her and her chances of recovery are good. She intends to continue her public activities and has asked her party not to ease her schedule, emphasizing the importance of connecting with the public.

Moatti is currently ranked 14th on the Democrats' list, led by Yair Golan. The party is polling at 9 seats, making her return to the Knesset uncertain. This is not Moatti's first encounter with cancer; when she was 16, her younger brother was diagnosed, leading to significant financial hardship for her family. She also faced a medical challenge during a Knesset vote in June 2021, arriving by ambulance to cast her vote after a complication from a lumbar puncture procedure.

Her announcement comes during October, recognized globally as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The Israel Cancer Association estimates that approximately 5,870 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in Israel in 2026. Moatti, diagnosed at 46, stressed the importance of early detection, urging, "Please get checked. Early detection saves lives." She thanked Meir Medical Center in Kfar Saba for her treatment, highlighting the dedication of its medical teams as a source of pride for Israel's public healthcare system.