Hebrew University in Jerusalem
Between Universal and National ‘Social Therapy’: Professional Interventions by Jewish Social Workers in Mandatory Palestine
This PhD dissertation uncovers a hidden chapter in the pre-state era, viewing the birth of Israeli social work through the eyes of pioneering women who shaped its foundations. While traditional history often sidelines their contributions, this research spotlights Siddy Wronsky and her colleagues—German-Jewish immigrants who imported a deep European heritage into the complex reality of Mandatory Palestine.
The study challenges the conventional view of these professionals as mere “supervisory agents” of the Zionist establishment. Instead, it reveals a fascinating intellectual and emotional struggle: How did these women bridge the gap between turbulent Zionism and universal humanitarian values? Using a feminist-critical lens to analyze documents revealed here for the first time, the research paints a portrait of a profession “reborn” within the tension between a German past, an idealistic Zionist future, and a challenging present of working with refugees and immigrants.
Ultimately, this is a story of social innovation amidst geopolitical storms. It demonstrates how these pioneers did not just adapt to their environment but actively synthesized a unique professional doctrine—one that harmonized nation-building with an unwavering commitment to human rights. The result is a historical journey offering profound insights into the intersection of ideology, gender, and social welfare that remain relevant to this day.