Heavy loss: Attorney and advisor to the Prime Minister, Atiya Simcha, has passed away
She served in the Haganah, represented the country at the UN, and was appointed as an advisor to two Prime Ministers. Today, Israel bids farewell to one of the most influential figures in the history of law and society.
Attorney Atiya Simcha, a veteran figure who worked for decades in the legal and public arena in Israel and for the advancement of women's status, has passed away at the age of 97. Simcha, a worthy citizen of Jerusalem, served as the Prime Minister's advisor on women's affairs, represented Israeli women in the international arena, and held numerous roles in legal and women's organizations both in Israel and abroad.
Simcha was born on May 25, 1929, in Kremenets, Poland, and immigrated with her family to the Land of Israel in 1934. The family settled in Petah Tikva and faced economic hardship, leading Simcha to give private lessons at a young age to help support the household. At 17, she joined the "Haganah" and later served in the 145th Battalion, which operated for the defense of Petah Tikva and Kfar Sirkin.
After her studies, she entered the legal world, working in the Jerusalem District Attorney's Office and the Supreme Court. In 1955, after receiving her law license, she opened a private practice. Over the years, she made the struggle for the advancement of women's rights a central part of her professional and public life.
In 1983, Prime Minister Menachem Begin appointed her as advisor on the status of women. She later returned to this position during the term of Yitzhak Shamir. She focused on advancing women in public service, affirmative action, and combating violence against women. Simultaneously, she expanded her activities to the international arena, representing Israel at the UN, delivering a speech on behalf of the state at the General Assembly, and serving in senior positions in international legal organizations. Simcha was the first Israeli to serve as the global president of the World Jurist Association.
Alongside her legal career, Simcha dedicated many years to volunteering and public service. She was involved for decades with WIZO, helped found the organization's legal department in Jerusalem, and headed the Jerusalem branch of the Israel Cancer Association. For her long-standing contributions, she received numerous awards, most notably the title of worthy citizen of Jerusalem.
Her husband was Judge Aharon M. Simcha, who served as president of the Magistrate's Court in Jerusalem and passed away in 2000.
Her passing marks the end of a life path spanning nearly a century, from the early days of the state to the present, during which Simcha combined legal practice, public activity, volunteering, and representing Israel on the international stage.
