Former Labor MK Nadia Hilu died at 61 Friday, leaving behind a husband and four daughters. Hilu was a deputy speaker of the 17th Knesset, the first female Christian to serve in the legislature and the second female Arab. A social worker by profession, Hilu fought against the phenomenon of 'honor' killings and served as deputy chairwoman of Na'amat – Women at Work. Hilu's funeral took place at the St. Anthony's Parish Church in Jaffa. Zionist Union chairman Isaac Herzog called Hilu a 'strong, brave, optimistic woman, active in many areas, who broke glass ceilings and barriers, for whom peace and coexistence in Israel were always her lifeblood.' 'Nadia was known as a fighter for the non-Jewish sectors in the country. She bravely fought for the rights and status of women in the Arab sector and in Israel in general and was a leader who fought poverty and inequality with all her strength,' Herzog added.
(photo credit: The Jerusalem Post)