Sheffi Paz, a polarizing figure in Israeli public life, passed away at the age of 74. Paz was best known for her vocal and often confrontational activism in south Tel Aviv, where she led efforts to protest the presence of undocumented migrants and asylum seekers. Her campaigns often focused on the impact of these populations on local neighborhoods, a stance that made her a lightning rod for national discourse regarding immigration policy.

Throughout her career, Paz’s methods were a subject of significant contention. Supporters, including various right-wing politicians, frequently lauded her as a defender of local residents who felt neglected by the state. Conversely, her critics—including many local residents and human rights advocates—argued that her rhetoric was inflammatory and harmful to vulnerable populations. The Times of Israel notes that Paz herself acknowledged the personal and emotional toll her high-profile activism took on her family life. While she remained a consistent presence in the media for years, her death has reignited discussions about the legacy of her work and the broader, unresolved tensions regarding migration in Israel.