Sheffi Paz, a prominent activist known for her opposition to illegal immigration in southern Tel Aviv, has died at the age of 74 after a prolonged battle with cancer, the Save Tel Aviv organization announced Monday.

Paz was a central figure in a grassroots movement protesting the presence of undocumented migrants in the older neighborhoods of south Tel Aviv. She began leading public campaigns on this issue in 2013 and was widely recognized for her efforts to improve residents’ safety and influence government immigration policies. Over the years, she organized demonstrations, engaged with officials, and maintained a vocal presence in the debate surrounding migration.

The daughter of Holocaust survivors who immigrated to Israel from Poland during her childhood, Paz’s activism often brought her into conflict with legal authorities. In September 2024, she was sentenced to 45 days in prison for offenses related to her protest activities, including spraying graffiti and disturbing public order. Despite serving her sentence, she remained committed to her cause.

Save Tel Aviv paid tribute to Paz, highlighting her dedication and resilience. In a statement, the organization’s Deputy Director-General Amalia Ozer and spokesperson Yaakov Sela called her a “courageous leader” and “a symbol of determination, dedication, and love for the country.” They noted that Paz gave voice to marginalized residents of south Tel Aviv and demonstrated how a single individual could influence national discourse.

The group also addressed the legal challenges Paz faced, emphasizing that she persisted despite arrests and imprisonment. “Sheffi sought justice for neighborhood residents and was unwilling to remain silent in the face of injustice,” their statement said.

Ozer, a close friend who accompanied Paz during her final hospitalization, described the rapid deterioration in her condition and reflected on the loss. “The State of Israel has lost a precious asset, someone who cared for the invisible people,” Ozer said. She noted that although they had anticipated Paz’s declining health, the speed of her passing was unexpected. Ozer also discussed the challenge of continuing the movement, stating that while she handles parliamentary efforts, Paz was “the recognizable face” of the campaign.

Despite her age and illness, Paz remained an active and passionate advocate up until her final days. Ozer described her as “a 74-year-old woman who, until her very last moment, functioned like a lioness.”

Save Tel Aviv pledged to continue the work she led, vowing to press on in the fight against illegal immigration and in support of south Tel Aviv residents. “Sheffi is gone, but her struggle is not over,” the organization said, calling on others to carry forward her mission.