Zionism and Feminism

From Golda to Gal: The Wonder Women of Zionism and Feminism

Golda Meir didn’t have Instagram. She didn’t have a glam squad. She didn’t even have the kind of hairstyle that politely asked for your approval. What she did have was a political spine made of reinforced steel and a talent for one-liners that could end arguments faster than a ceasefire proposal.

When a journalist once asked her if she was a feminist, Golda famously replied:

“I’m not a feminist. I’m a woman who happens to be a prime minister.”Translation: Call it what you want — I’m still running the show.

Golda embodied a particular kind of early Zionism: pragmatic, unpolished, and utterly unwilling to wait for permission. Israel was barely out of diapers as a state, and she was already brokering deals, making wartime decisions, and staring down world leaders like she was judging their kugel recipe.

Fast-forward a few decades, and the global image of an Israeli woman often comes in the form of Gal Gadot — a former IDF combat fitness instructor who somehow transitioned into being Wonder Woman without missing a beat. Gal trades Golda’s sensible shoes for thigh-high armor, swaps cabinet meetings for red carpets, but she carries the same central message: I will not be underestimated.

The fun part? Zionism and feminism are distant cousins who share the same family trait: rebellion against waiting. Zionism says: We’re done asking for a homeland. Feminism says: We’re done asking for equality. Both, at their best, are movements of rolled-up sleeves and the deeply unglamorous work of getting things done — preferably yesterday.

Golda would probably raise an eyebrow at Gal’s Hollywood shine, but she’d approve of her unapologetic Zionism and the way she makes global audiences rethink what a “strong Israeli woman” looks like. Modern-day Zionist women activists — from grassroots organizers in Tel Aviv to those speaking at American universities — channel both Golda’s blunt force and Gal’s global charisma.

Imagine this: Golda, in her no-nonsense cardigan, sitting next to Gal on a talk show couch. The host asks about their biggest challenge as women leaders. Golda takes a drag of her cigarette and deadpans:

“Being asked that question.”Gal laughs, flicks her hair, and says:“Exactly. Now can we talk about the work?”

That’s the magic of this lineage — whether it’s leading a country, starring in a billion-dollar movie, or mobilizing for social change, these women refuse to fade politely into the backdrop.

If Golda were alive today, she might not wear Wonder Woman’s armor (though she’d wield the Lasso of Truth with terrifying precision). But scrolling through Instagram, seeing Zionist women from all walks of life owning their voice and their place, she’d probably mutter, Not bad, ladies. Not bad at all.