(haipo) Ruthie Benin, a social and environmental activist from Atlit, passed away today, Saturday, July 18, 2026, after collapsing last Wednesday and being hospitalized. Ruthie was known as a woman with endless energy, a constant smile, and a deep commitment to many social and environmental struggles.
Funeral date: Monday, July 20, 2026 at 5:00 PM at the Atlit Cemetery.

A tireless activist for the community and the environment
Ruth Benin has been a social and environmental activist for many years. Among her most notable struggles was the struggle over the prices of the Carmel Tunnels, an issue on which she was in constant contact with Haifa for a long time. Ruth also worked on issues related to Atlit and the seashore, and devoted her time and lectures to the local community. In addition, she was active in supporting IDF soldiers, including wrapping packages, baking cakes and sending them to soldiers on the front lines.

A big heart that bleeds, a legacy of giving that lasts forever
With shock and deep pain, the Benin family said goodbye to their beloved, Ruth Benin, a woman of giving, justice and love of humanity, who left a wide mark on her community in Atlit and on many throughout the country. Ruth, who was known for her inexhaustible energy, social and environmental work and willingness to stand up for anyone who needed help, died of brain death on Saturday at 11:58, and breathed her last at 3:53 in the morning. After her death, she donated organs that saved lives, lungs, liver and two kidneys. Her funeral will take place on Monday, July 20, 2026, at 5:00 PM at the Atlit Cemetery, and the family will hold a vigil at 20 Narkisim Street. The memory of Ruth, with her sparkling smile and rolling laughter, will continue to accompany all who were fortunate enough to know her.
Ruth Benin in an interview with Lipa at a demonstration calling for the closure of the 1999 farm
Aug 20, 2020
A woman who acted with kindness and determination
I have been in regular contact with Ruthie in environmental struggles over the past 20 years and have greatly appreciated her work and teaching. Everyone who knew Ruthie Benin describes her as a woman of endless energy, who was always accompanied by a smile and a captivating laugh. Ruthie always acted with kindness and determination, a combination that characterized her public life over the years. She knew how to combine tenderness with tenacity in her struggles for the community, and left a deep mark on everyone who came into contact with her.
THB
Yuval Arbel paid tribute to her:
Ruthie was a soulful actress, sharp and funny, socially and environmentally active with endless energy, and always with a smile and a captivating laugh. Ruthie was also active in protecting the sea and beaches and spared no criticism from anyone and always sought justice and the best possible solution without shortcuts. Her death was a very hard loss for everyone who loves this country. My condolences to the family and friends. Sea.
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sad
May her memory be blessed🙏🏻
The amazing Ruthie coordinated the activities of the Abductees' Families Headquarters in Atlit with determination, dedication, and perseverance. She helped us here at the headquarters with remembrance and was a ray of hope and values. It is hard to believe that she is no longer with us. Thank you Ruthie for who you were and what you did. We will not forget. Deepest sympathy to the family in their grief.
Company writer Yair Gil:
"Today we said goodbye to Ruth Benin (1958-2026), a respected social and environmental activist, who was directly and motivatingly involved in a series of struggles: the struggle to lower fares in the Carmel Tunnels, the struggle against the coup d'état, the struggle to restore Haifa Bay, the struggle against the establishment of an airport in the Hof Carmel Regional Council, local issues in Atlit, support for soldiers by baking and sending cakes and equipment to soldiers on the front lines, and of course the struggle to return the kidnapped, and more."
The portal's celebrated reporter, Yaron Carmi, "for some reason" omitted her work at the hostage headquarters and in the struggle against the coup.
And that's before she was buried.
R.I.P
Such a shame 😢
And also led the Carmel Tunnels protest…
R.I.P