Rona-Lee Shimon on Motherhood, Politics, and Facing Backlash
Actress Rona-Lee Shimon discusses motherhood, facing personal backlash for her political activism, and the vital importance of voting in the upcoming elections in a new interview.
Rona-Lee Shimon is never one to shy away from sharing her political views, even when she knows it comes with a personal price. In a candid interview with mako celebrities, the actress and dancer opened up about the criticism she faces for her outspoken stances, why she sympathizes with peers who prefer to stay silent, and the critical importance of voting in the upcoming elections.
Speaking at an event for the activewear brand Panta Rei, which announced its first collaboration with Or Kahlon, Shimon also touched upon the realities of motherhood. With her son, Yonatan, now a year and three months old, she admits she still feels like she is in the thick of it all. When asked if she is still a new mother, she quipped, As long as I am not sleeping, I am a new mother.
Speaking Out Despite the Cost
Beyond motherhood, which takes up a massive part of her daily life, Shimon consistently makes time for political activism. With elections just around the corner, her message is unequivocal: voting is a civic duty that cannot be ignored.
It is going to be on us now, it is really on us. I think the burden of proof will be on the next government, and I very much hope that the government will be worthy of its citizens, Shimon emphasized.
When asked about the backlash directed at celebrities who express political opinions, she noted that she spends less time on social media nowadays, largely to protect her mental well-being and due to a severe lack of free time.
Believing in the Future Generation
Despite the vitriol, Shimon remains steadfast in her belief that the country possesses capable leadership across the political spectrum—left, right, and center. She pointed to a recent moment at the Indnegev festival, where the younger generation danced and sang songs of peace, as a beacon of hope for what lies ahead.
I understand people who are afraid, I know what happens to me and what continues to happen when I speak out. When it gets personal, it can wound the soul, but despite that, I think we must stand firm out of a belief that we deserve better, she stated.
