Former Israeli Lawmaker Emily Moatti Reveals Breast Cancer Diagnosis

Former Knesset member Emily Moatti announced Tuesday that she was diagnosed with breast cancer in the late summer. The 46-year-old, who served in the 24th Knesset for the Labor Party until November 2022, is currently ranked 14th on the Democrats' list. Moatti revealed her diagnosis on her X account, admitting she initially hesitated to share the news out of fear of being pitied. She stated that public figures should hold themselves to higher standards and chose to disclose her condition, believing that early detection saves lives and that this knowledge could potentially save others. Moatti pledged that if elected to the Knesset, she would share all necessary information about her medical status, emphasizing her lack of desire to hide it. She described herself as sad but highly task-oriented, focused on completing treatment and recovery. "This disease sometimes brings loneliness and even shame, and I am here to tell those in my situation that you are not alone and I am here to hold the hand of anyone who needs it," she wrote. Moatti added that the hardest part is behind her, she is in good hands, and her chances of recovery are high. She expressed determination to serve the public in any role she holds and to restore public trust and hope. She has asked her party's campaign not to ease her schedule, stressing the importance of public engagement and visibility. Democrats Chairman Yair Golan responded to Moatti's announcement, expressing his long-standing knowledge of her strength and determination and wishing her a full and speedy recovery, stating his belief in her ability to overcome this challenge.