One of Israel’s most renowned actresses passed away on Wednesday morning after a long battle with cancer. Zaharira Harifai, 83, died in Beilinson Hospital.

Harifai played key roles in several major Israeli plays, and also directed students’ plays. She won the Israel Prize for her contribution to Israel theater.

She is survived by her husband, author Shlomo Shiva, their daughter, actress and director Aya Shiva, and two grandchildren.