Prime Minister Netanyahu Mourns Right-Wing Activist Shafi Paz

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife, Sara Netanyahu, eulogized right-wing activist Shafi Paz, who passed away, praising her fight for the residents of South Tel Aviv. "She was cruelly persecuted for it, and despite everything, she did not bow her head," Netanyahu stated, mourning her passing and calling her a "tremendous social fighter." Paz was a prominent figure in Israel's struggle against illegal infiltration and for the residents of South Tel Aviv. Since 2013, she led public protests and confronted government ministries, ministers, mayors, and the justice system to restore personal security to the neighborhoods and highlight residents' distress. Her determined activism led to clashes with law enforcement and even a prison sentence for her protest activities. In past interviews, Paz spoke of the struggle's complexities, mentioning harsh insults directed at her and warning about the rise of youth gangs in the neighborhoods.

Following news of her death, political and social figures who supported her struggle offered condolences. The "Central Station Surroundings" association, which she led, mourned her as "a brave leader, a dear friend, and a woman who was a symbol of determination, dedication, and love for the country," emphasizing that Paz was a woman of truth who confronted powerful entities to voice the concerns of "the transparent people" whose voices had been silenced.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich also eulogized Paz, criticizing the justice system for attempting to "make her life miserable" and pledging to continue her fight to deport all infiltrators. The Otzma Yehudit party described her as a "determined, brave, and principled fighter, a model and inspiration for fighting for principles," stating that all Israeli citizens owe her a great debt and vowing to continue her battle.