Upholding the Legacy of Vivian Silver, z”l

The family of Vivian Silver z”l, a life-long peace activist killed on October 7, has announced the winners of the second annual Impact Award, created in Vivian’s honor and supported by NIF.

The award honors two women—one Arab and one Jewish—who demonstrate a deep commitment to the values that she believed in and lived by: empowerment of women, shared society, and peace between Israel and Palestine.

This year’s Impact Award will go to Attorney Quamar Mishirqi-Assad and Dr. Yofi Tirosh.

Quamar Mishirqi-Assad is a Doctor of Law, and human rights lawyer. After serving as the director of the legal department of Rabbis for Human Rights, she founded Haqel: In Defense of Human Rights, a legal firm working in the Occupied Territories in 2016. Against all odds and after a decade-long struggle, her leadership and persistence have enabled the residents of several villages in the South Hebron Hills to return to their homes after having been forcibly expelled.

Dr. Yofi Tirosh is professor of law and an influential activist, dedicated to advancing Israeli democracy, defending the right to equality for various groups in Israel and worldwide, and particularly promoting women’s rights and the inclusion of women in decision-making around matters of peace and security. Her work in recent years has focused on two main areas: leading the struggle against the exclusion of women from government and the public arena, and the war on women’s, LGBTQ+, and Palestinian rights.

Their dedication and commitment inspire us every day. Congratulations, Quamar and Yofi.