Yael Dayan, Israeli Writer and Women's Rights Advocate, Dies at 85 in Tel Aviv

Yael Dayan, a prominent figure in Israeli politics and literature, passed away on May 18 at the age of 85 in her residence in Tel Aviv. Her daughter, Racheli Sion-Sarid, confirmed that the cause of her death was chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

A Family of Notable Figures

Yael Dayan was the daughter of Moshe Dayan, a renowned war hero and statesman who served as Israel’s defense minister during the Six-Day War in 1967 and the Yom Kippur War in 1973. Moshe Dayan became iconic for his distinctive black eyepatch, a result of losing his left eye during combat in World War II. The Dayan family was often likened to the Kennedys, with Yael Dayan's mother, Ruth, establishing the fashion house Maskit, her brother Assi finding success as an actor and filmmaker, while another brother, Ehud, pursued a career as a sculptor.

A Literary Sensation

Yael Dayan achieved literary acclaim at the young age of 20 with her autobiographical novel "New Face in the Mirror" (1959), which was originally written in English. The novel revolves around a young female soldier and her military commander father.

Advocacy and Legacy

After the death of her father, Yael Dayan transitioned into politics and became an advocate for women’s rights, L.G.B.T.Q. issues, and a two-state solution for the Palestinian conflict, leaving behind a legacy of activism and literature that continues to inspire.