Iris Stern Levi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Iris Stern Levi
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| Born | 11 May 1953 Jaffa, Israel
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| Nationality | Israeli, Australian |
| Occupation | Social activist, artist |
| Known for | Co-founding Her Academy and Turning the Tables |
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Iris Stern Levi (born May 11, 1953) is an Israeli social activist. She works to help women and protect human rights. She helped start two non-profit groups: Her Academy (2016) and Turning the Tables (2011). Both groups offer job training for women who have faced difficult life challenges. Stern Levi also serves on the board of Coalition of Women for Peace. She was a volunteer for 16 years at the Tel Aviv Support Center for people in crisis. In 2018, she received the Sussman-Joint Award.
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Early Life and Journey
Iris Stern Levi was born on May 11, 1953, in Jaffa, Israel. She moved to Australia with her family when she was young. In 1970, at age 18, she went to live with relatives in Tel Aviv. She studied art and also completed a special guidance program at Tel Aviv University.
In the 1990s, Stern Levi lived in Amsterdam for three years. She wanted to do something meaningful with her time. She learned about the struggles of Bosnian women after the Bosnian War. Many of these women had gone through very hard times. This experience led her to become an activist. When she returned to Israel, she decided to keep helping women. She started volunteering at the Tel Aviv Support Center for people in crisis.
Helping Women and Communities
Turning the Tables
In 2011, Stern Levi started new activism work for women. She co-founded Turning the Tables. This group helps women learn new job skills. They offer training in sewing, fashion, and even digital marketing. The organization also helps women with their legal rights. They provide support to help women get back on their feet.
In 2013, a permanent studio for the group opened in Tel Aviv. Two years later, a branch was also started in Haifa.
Her Academy
Iris Stern Levi and Tal Hamoui Granot founded Her Academy in 2016. This school helps women get ready for jobs. It provides practical training and also builds confidence. The goal is to help women find work and earn a living. Business owners and professionals volunteer to teach these courses. They help women who need extra support to succeed.
Other Important Work
Stern Levi also created the Women's Professional Service Network. This is a list of women who work in various professions. It focuses on jobs like electricians, plumbers, and carpenters. These are fields where women are often a small minority. The network also includes taxi drivers and movers.
In 2008, she spoke at an international conference in Madrid. This event celebrated International Women's Day. She represented an organization called Bat Shalom. In 2009, she helped create a program. It teaches how to support activists working for peace.
In 2009, Stern Levi was featured in a documentary film. It was called Women Defying Barriers by Guy Davidi. The film showed how Israeli Jewish and Palestinian women tried to connect. This happened during a difficult time in 2008.
Stern Levi also leads groups that empower women. Since 2016, she has led groups that discuss gender awareness. She often gives talks about how women are shown in media. She also takes part in protests. She speaks out against violence towards women and racism. She also shows support for people in need.
Art and Creativity
For many years, Iris Stern Levi worked as a painter. She had her own studio and taught art. From 2008 to 2011, she started an art studio for refugees. This studio was in the Shapira neighborhood of Tel Aviv. In 2007, she had her own art show at the Beit Achoti Gallery. One of her self-portraits is in a book by Tal Dekel. This book talks about how older women are shown in art.
Awards and Recognition
Iris Stern Levi has received many awards for her work:
- 2021 - Rappaport Prize for Women Generating Change in Israeli Society (Lifetime Achievement)
- 2021 - Rayah Fund Honoree
- 2019 - JDC Kaveret prize for Social Entrepreneurship (for Her Academy)
- 2018 - Zusman-JDC Award for Excellence in Social Action
- 2020 - Fanny Reading Human Rights Lecturer, Australia
- 2017 - Yaffa London Yaari Foundation Award (with Tal Hamoui for Her Academy)
- 2017 - Israel's Speaker of the Knesset Quality of Life Award (for Her Academy)
Family Life
Iris Stern Levi is the oldest of three daughters. Her father, George Stern, was born in Austria. He was sent to Glasgow, Scotland, as part of the Kindertransport. This was a special program that saved children during World War II. He grew up in Scotland and England. Her mother, Dvora Nachmias, was born in Israel. She was one of 13 children. Dvora's brother was the writer Ben Zion Nachmias.
Iris Stern Levi has two adult children with Dror K. Levi. She is also a grandmother. Since 2004, Stern Levi lives with her partner.
See also
- Coalition of Women for Peace
