New 'Council of Wise Women' Movement Launches to Promote Security and Jewish Identity in Israeli Knesset

A new public movement called the "Council of Wise Women" was launched in Israel with the stated goal of advancing issues related to security, education, Jewish identity, and national responsibility. The movement defines itself as apolitical and Zionist and plans to operate within the Knesset, media, and public arenas.

The movement is led by Anat Kanfo, a former Knesset member from the Yesh Atid party and deputy head of the Har Adar council. Kanfo brings experience from the business, municipal, parliamentary, and high-tech sectors. The movement includes women from diverse backgrounds, such as bereaved mothers, mothers of soldiers, survivors of captivity and the October 7 attack, as well as professionals from economics, law, media, and technology.

Notable members include Merav Berger, mother of Agam Berger who was kidnapped to Gaza and later returned to Israel; Tali Sharam Liberman, sister of the late Deputy Harel Sharam and co-founder of the "Connecting" forum; Frida Marciano, mother of the late Staff Sergeant Itai Eliyahu Marciano; Ronit Farkash, chairwoman of the local committee in Tekuma; strategic advisor and media professional Idit Droyan-Ochion; Hadass Madmon from the Scouts organization; and businesswoman and women's activist Talia Ribi Gilad.

The movement emphasizes placing the security and education of children, Jewish identity, and responsibility for future generations at the center of the national agenda. It also aims to reduce divisive discourse within Israeli society. Although its name evokes the "Council of Torah Sages" of the Shas party, the movement explicitly states no affiliation with Shas or its spiritual council.

The launch was reported shortly after the October 7 attacks, highlighting the involvement of women personally affected by recent security events. The movement intends to influence policy and public opinion in the Knesset and beyond.