UIA Women’s Division hosts award-winning Israeli journalist, Efrat Lachter
UIA Women’s Division has hosted Efrat Lachter recently with almost 400 women (and a few men) joining in via Zoom.
Efrat Lachter and Jasmin Malul
Efrat has been a senior correspondent for the Friday Studio, the flagship TV news magazine on Hadashot, Israel’ s largest news broadcaster, since 2014.
Efrat’s commitment to reporting on human rights violations and corruption has taken her to some of the world’s most dangerous conflict zones: She was the only Israeli to report on the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan, the first Israeli journalist to report from Mosul, Iraq, and the only one to enter the former ISIS capital of A-Raqqa in Syria. Yet, it was Efrat’s passion for giving a voice to the voiceless, particularly women, that really kept the virtual crowd glued to their screens. A highlight of the evening was when Efrat shared some never-seen-before footage of a discussion with a young Afghan refugee who fled her home country and had taken refuge in Albania. The interview revealed the strength that these courageous women have to continue living the lives that they had been promised, before the Taliban destroyed their opportunity for equality, freedom and education.
For Efrat, the fact that most of these real-life stories are not covered in mainstream media gives her the strength to stay motivated. And it’s paying off. So far, she has received the Young Journalist Award (2011), the Primor Award (2012) and featured in Forbes 30 under 30 Leaders to Shape Israel’s Future (2018). We know that this is just the beginning for Efrat Lachter, and we were honoured to share her story and knowledge with the women of the UIA.
Federal Women’s Division President Debbie Schaffer said, “It was so wonderful to host Efrat for our federal webinar and hear how such an incredibly brave and young woman has accomplished so much. In a time of so much uncertainty in the world, Efrat brought a refreshing perspective of hope and optimism and a voice to those who would otherwise not have one.”
Despite our physical distance, Zoom has provided so many opportunities to host speakers from all walks of life and UIA is proud to continue bringing the community the most relevant of guests. This includes retired Mossad agent Saar Kadmon, who recently joined us at our monthly Evening Israel Update, visiting a mixed combat unit on the Egyptian border with our Virtual Mission to Israel and hearing from Professor Uzi Rabi on the rebirth of the Taliban and the implications thereof for Israel. UIA members can continue to expect world-class speakers and inspirational events, both in-person and online, all while supporting the People of Israel.
