Bella Abzug American lawyer, congresswoman, public figure Date of Birth: 24.06.1920 Country: USA

1. Bella Abzug: American Lawyer, Congresswoman, and Activist
2. Education and Legal Career
3. Women's Movement and Political Career
4. Passion for Advocacy and Activism
5. Legacy and Personal Life

Bella Abzug: American Lawyer, Congresswoman, and Activist

Bella Abzug was an American lawyer, congresswoman, and prominent figure in the women's movement. She was born on July 24, 1920, in New York City to Russian-Jewish immigrant parents. Her mother, Esther, was a homemaker, while her father, Emmanuel, was a businessman. When Bella was 13, her father passed away, and she fought against the traditional gender roles by insisting on reciting the Kaddish, a Jewish mourning prayer traditionally reserved for sons.

Education and Legal Career

Abzug attended Hunter College of the City University of New York and later earned a law degree from Columbia University. She then pursued further education at the Jewish Theological Seminary of America. In 1947, Abzug became a licensed attorney and joined the law firm 'Pressman, Witt & Cammer' in New York City, specializing in labor law. However, she eventually shifted her focus to civil rights and became one of the first women practicing as an advocate.

Women's Movement and Political Career

Abzug is best known for her leadership in the Women's Movement. In 1971, she co-founded the National Women's Political Caucus with other prominent feminists, including Gloria Steinem and Betty Friedan. In 1970, Abzug became the first Jewish woman to be elected to the United States Congress. She later served as the chair of the National Commission on the Observance of International Women's Year and organized the National Women's Conference in 1977 under President Gerald Ford. She also headed the Women's Committee under President Jimmy Carter.

Passion for Advocacy and Activism

Throughout her career, Abzug passionately advocated for various causes. She actively supported the Equal Rights Amendment and protested against the Vietnam War. As a member of the House of Representatives, she became involved in the 'Women Strike for Peace' movement. Abzug was known for her strong political views and openly opposed President Nixon. She also fought for the rights of Jews and staunchly identified as a Zionist.

Legacy and Personal Life

In 1975, Abzug fiercely opposed a United Nations General Assembly Resolution that labeled Zionism as racism and racial discrimination. She served as a congresswoman from Manhattan, New York, representing her district from 1971 to 1977 and occasionally also spoke on behalf of the Bronx. Abzug was one of the first congresswomen to advocate for the rights of sexual minorities.

Abzug battled breast cancer for several years and later faced serious heart problems. Sadly, she passed away on March 31, 1998, due to complications from heart surgery.