[1] Much of her work focuses on the Holocaust, displaced persons, people with depression, and the terminally ill.[2][3] When she won the Israel Prize in 2003, the selection committee stated that "she is a unique, moving, powerful voice with psychological depth.

She delves into man's soul and into the everyday existential problems with delicate observations, and out of recognition of people's tragic fates.

[4] As a child, Hendel was a member of the HaNoar HaOved VeHaLomed, a Zionist youth movement.

[1] Hendel's first short story, "Bi-khvot Orot" ("At lights-out"), was published in 1942 when she was seventeen years old.

In 1954, the manuscript for her novel Rehov ha-Madregot (Street of steps) won the Asher Barash Competition.