Tova Ben-Dov, the sixth president and Honorary Life President of the Women’s International Zionist Organization (WIZO), passed away at 88, the organization announced in a statement on Friday.
Ben-Dov served as President of World WIZO from 2012 to 2016. She also held positions as Vice President of the World Jewish Congress, member of the Executive of the Jewish Agency for Israel, and member of the International Council of Women.
During her presidency at WIZO, she “significantly expanded international relations and strengthened its ties with WIZO federations around the world,” according to WIZO.
“A leading figure in the Zionist and social movements in Israel and worldwide, Ben-Dov dedicated her life to the betterment of Israeli society, advancing the welfare of women, children, youth, and communities in Israel and abroad,” said WIZO of Ben-Dov.
Within WIZO, she held numerous leadership positions, including Chairperson of the World WIZO Executive (2004-2012), Chairperson of the Department of Property, Buildings and Development, World WIZO Treasurer, and Deputy Chairperson of the Fundraising Division.
During her time as Chairperson of the Executive, WIZO received the Israel Prize in 2008 for its contribution to advancing the status of women and promoting gender equality, according to the organization’s statement.
Supporting the Sderot community
Among Ben-Dov’s notable accomplishments within the organization were the establishment of the Margaret Thatcher Open House in Sderot - “a unique center providing professional treatment, therapy and support programs to thousands of children and families each year in this deeply traumatized city,” according to WIZO’s website. Alongside this project, Ben-Dov created the first fortified daycare centers in the city, which serve 200 children and employ 50 teachers and staff.
Ben-Dov’s volunteer work began as a young mother at the WIZO branch in Herzliya, where she rehabilitated soldiers wounded in the Yom Kippur War who were housed at Beit Heuss, a rehabilitation center established by WIZO, said WIZO’s statement.
She became a respected leader, nationally and internationally, leading programs to advance and empower women in diverse communities, establishing women’s counselling stations and WIZO centers throughout Israel, and making a significant contribution to shaping WIZO’s identity as a global social movement.
In 2011, Ben-Dov was awarded the Yakir Tel Aviv (Worthy Citizen of Tel Aviv) award “in recognition of her dedication, loyalty, and service to the welfare and honor of the city,” according to WIZO, and in 2016, she was awarded the recognition of Honorary Fellow of the World Zionist Congress.
Ben-Dov 'bridged generations'
Chairperson of the World WIZO Anita Friedman paid tribute to Ben-Dov, and expressed, “With deep sorrow and eternal gratitude, we bid farewell to Tova Ben-Dov - a courageous and inspiring leader who was the beating heart of WIZO. For 60 years, Tova devoted her heart and soul to WIZO, a lifetime of love, leadership, and giving to women, children, and families in Israel.
Tova bridged generations and continents, guided by deep faith in the righteousness of her path and a profound love for people. She believed in the power of women to change reality, and thanks to her vision, WIZO became a unifying and empowering international movement. Her path, spirit, and legacy will continue to guide us in everything we do.”
President of the World WIZO Anat Vidor also honored Ben-Dov’s legacy, recognizing her as a “true Zionist leader, a woman who led with both grace and grit.”
“She lived and breathed WIZO, embodying its spirit in every action and word. For Tova, WIZO was not just an organization but a calling, carried in her very DNA. Today, not only her family mourns her, but thousands of WIZO women around the world who saw in her a mother, a mentor, and a leader. As WIZO’s eighth President, I have the privilege to continue the path she paved - with love, conviction, and the same unbreakable Zionist spirit that defined her life,” said Vidor.