Berkley Center

Leah Shakdiel is an Israeli peace activist and feminist scholar. Through teaching and continued activist work with Israeli human rights NGOs like Machsom Watch, Mirkam Azori, Darom4Peace, and Rabbis for Human Rights, Shakdiel works to bring the values of peace, equality, human rights, and social justice to the next generation of Israelis. In 1988 Shakdiel became Israel's first female member of a local Religious Council, following a successful struggle that ended with a landmark Supreme Court decision. Since 1978 Shakdiel has lived with her family in Yeruham, a small development town in the Negev Desert committed to halacha (Jewish law), social responsibility, peace, and ecology. She holds a BA from Bar Ilan University in English and French Literature.