Today, the world marks the United Nations’ (UN) International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
The atrocious gender-based violence which Hamas terrorists perpetrated against Israeli women and girls during their horrific invasion of southern Israel on October 7, 2023 have largely been ignored by the international community and women’s organizations. There has also been an astonishing denial by too many that these crimes occurred, despite the evidence and testimonies.
Most of the victims of these heinous crimes are no longer alive and cannot use their voices to call for justice, having been murdered by the terrorists. We have a responsibility to ensure their voices and the truth is heard, as well as raise the cry of the 13 Israeli women, who are among the 101 remaining hostages still languishing in captivity in Gaza. Released hostages have provided harrowing testimonies of the torture and sexual violence that they have endured, and also witnessed these atrocities being perpetrated against those who are still being held captive.
The 13 women who remain hostages are Romi Gonen, 24; Naama Levy, 20; Liri Albag, 19; Ofra Keider, 70; Shiri Bibas, 33; Inbar Hayman, 27; Emily Damari, 27; Karina Ariev, 20; Agam Berger, 20; Doron Steinbrecher, 31; Arbel Yehoud, 29; Daniella Gilboa, 20; and Judy Weinstein Haggai, 70.
To amplify the voices of the Israeli women who were deliberately targeted on October 7th—and the 13 women who continue to suffer in captivity, we ask you to please watch and share this video.