The other night we got to meet Knesset member (KM) Orly Levy-Abekasis. She told us about her childhood and how it motivated her focus in the Knesset. KM Levy-Abekasis grew up in Beit Shean, the development town. As a child she felt that she was missing many of the educational opportunities that more privileged children had and often times there were gaps in the education she received in Beit Shean. Growing up with many kids that had great potential but not the best opportunities caused KM Levy-Abekasis to want to stand up for and be their voice in hopes of getting them better educational options. She was able to do this because she made sure to take advantage of any opportunities.
KM Levy-Abekasis started off in the media and then went into politics. She has been a member of the Knesset for six years, and within this time she has passed almost thirty laws. These laws all have to do with the rights of women, children, and underprivileged people. One law that KM Levy-Abekasis is known for in particular is a law that benefits minors who have been victims of a crime. This law makes sure that the person that committed the crime not only has to serve time in jail but they also have to pay the minor 10,000 shekels. This money can then be used by the minor to pay for any medical and legal help they need. Currently 97% of victims that are minors are benefitted by this law.
KM Levy-Abekasis has taken her childhood experiences and used them to help others. She sets an example for many kids that come from the same background as her. She shows kids that by taking advantage of opportunities and dedicating yourself to your goals you can achieve many things, no matter what background you come from. Through her work with women’s, children’s, and unprivileged people’s rights KM Levy-Abekasis has been able to help many people in Israel and give a lot of children better opportunities.