Hey Israel Story listeners, it's Mishi.

Our last sign sealed delivered episode was all about Rachael Koen Kagan, who was one

of only two women, the other being Golda Meir, who signed the Declaration of Independence.

On January 25th, 1949, she was elected to the very first Knesset as the head of the

Weetzel party. After the Declaration of Independence, there was the first Knesset.

That's Orin Kagan, Rachael Koen Kagan's grandson and closest living relative.

The printing of posters was an important part of Israel's first election campaign. 1200

candidates from 21 parties to be chosen for 120 seats by an electorate of under half a

million.

He was a member of the Weetzel party that was supported by women.

The campaign is reported as being a pretty noisy affair, but that was quite natural on such

an exciting occasion.

I think it's the only time that there was a party for women.

All shades of opinion from the United religious front to the Communist Party had to be expanded

by loudspeaker and by poster.

Anyone, Jew, Christian or Muslim, who was over 21 and was in the country before last

November could vote. Proportional representation is the system.

And she as a leader of women and head of Weetzel, prepared the law for equal rights for women

and family.

Ten other women besides Koen Kagan were elected to that first Knesset, which meant it was

over 90 percent male. Thankfully, this situation has changed since then. But still, only 29

women gain seats in the parliament in the most recent elections, making the Knesset

...