Olessia Kantor

Olessia Kantor

Age 55
City Herzliya
Marital status Married + 4

Areas of expertise

Antitrust Policy Gender Issues Social Policy Entrepreneurshop

More about me

A social activist and entrepreneur, businesswoman and political commentator, investigative journalist, bestselling author, and philanthropist. She has managed diamond-cutting factories with operations worth more than $300 million and approximately 1,000 employees as well as founded a philanthropic foundation supporting women and children escaping domestic violence, young people from disadvantaged families, and survivors of the trauma of October 7th. She brings with her a personal story of resilience and triumph, along with a deep commitment to social welfare, the advancement of women, and education.

“We don't always have to agree, but we must be there for each other. We must empower each other. We must find common ground and build bridges across our differences to pursue the common good.”

Cory Booker

Tasks for the term

  • Advancing welfare policies that provide a genuine safety net for families, senior citizens, people with disabilities, and disadvantaged communities.
  • Promoting equal opportunity for and combating violence against women
  • Preserving Jewish heritage sites in Israel
  • Strengthening the education system by investing in teachers, closing disparities, promoting educational innovation, and providing the younger generation with the tools they need to succeed in a changing world.
  • Building a more equal, safe, and cohesive society in which every citizen has a genuine opportunity to thrive, access high-quality services, and live with dignity.

Something personal

Thirty years ago, I was a new immigrant who spoke no Hebrew and lived in a shelter for battered women with my eight-month-old baby. I had no money in a country where no one knew who I was. Today, I am a bestselling author and the founder of a philanthropic foundation that supports women and children escaping domestic violence, young people from disadvantaged families, and those impacted by the trauma of October 7th.

This is why welfare, the standing of women, and education aren’t just topics on paper for me. I know the price of being alone facing such challenges, and I know it’s possible to overcome them.