Witnessing the suffering of my grandmother, Clara, who survived the Holocaust, has shaped my perspective on life and my stance against sexual violence. Her haunting account of being violated by the Nazis at the end of her life served as a horrifying reminder of their inhumanity and instilled in me the resolve to stand against hate and discrimination.
The horrifying tide of sexual violence against women and girls reared its ugly head once more on October 7. Hamas's callous tactics of using rape and sexual assault as weapons go back generations, exploiting the vulnerability of Jewish women and women worldwide. This heinous practice has existed since the early 20th century, continuing even through the Holocaust.
My commitment to combat sexual violence and support its victims has grown from the lessons I learned from my grandparents' experiences. I often find myself advocating for those bought and sold in the commercial sex trade, offering solace and empowerment to those who have endured such trauma. People frequently wonder why I devote my energy to battling gender-based violence. My reply is simple: my grandparents survived the Holocaust, and their unforgettable tales have deeply impacted my life and given me the responsibility to challenge bigotry.
I believe that oppression breeds in silence. When people remain silent, evil can flourish without accountability. After October 7, I decided to raise my voice and encourage others to do the same. However, few followed suit.
The overwhelming evidence indicates that the attacks on October 7 were accompanied by widespread and pervasive sexual violence, including rape and mutilation, murder, and execution. Forensic analyses of numerous Israeli victims' bodies revealed gruesome signs of sexual assault and torment. Testimonies of survivors and eyewitnesses to the attacks detailed the brutal acts of rape and mutilation perpetrated by Hamas terrorists.
Firsthand accounts from assistants working on the scene described bodies of murdered women and girls that bore clear indications of sexual violence. One witness shared chilling footage of a group rape. Photos and recordings captured the condition of brutally violated young Israeli women amidst the mayhem.
Testimonies gathered by the Civil Commission headed by esteemed international law experts substantiated the horrendous acts of brutality and cruelty inflicted upon women and children by Hamas on that fateful day.
It has been more than two months since the October 7 atrocity, and yet, many feminist organizations that pride themselves on fighting for the rights of women and girls worldwide have remained oddly silent. Even on the International Day Against Violence Against Women, many remained silent. In New York, I have continued my advocacy for endangered women, but I could not ignore the silence of those afflicted in Israel.
I felt betrayed by those who had the power to speak out but chose not to. My grandfather understood the evil of Nazi presence but was betrayed by his neighbors, storeowners, and friends who remained silent. He never believed people were willing to help.
Now, the Israeli family questions if the world will lift a finger to aid them. With their lives shattered by the terrifying attacks of October 7 and tormented by the fear of captivity, they need us to hear their voices and understand their plight.
Good people can have differing views on the path to peace. Good people can have various perspectives on the conflict's aspects. However, they must stand up against inhumane practices such as using mass rape as a weapon of war.
Unfortunately, many innocent people, including women and girls, continue to be held captive by Hamas. It is beyond doubt that the October 7 massacre triggered the execution of barbaric acts. Organizations devoted to the fight against gender-based violence should be among the loudest voices condemning these actions. We have always stood with survivors in the most contentious cases, even when the evidence is scarce beyond their testimonies.
Speak out for the victims and survivors of October 7. Stand up for those still imprisoned. If you do not, you amplify their pain, the erasure of their memories, and the suffering of their families. Your silence empowers the perpetrators. As ordinary people, we all have a voice, no matter how small it may seem.
Reach out to the White House, your senator, or your congressperson. Let them know that liberating the hostages is their highest priority and humanity's as well. Demand a comprehensive investigation into the sexual violence committed by Hamas terrorists. The world should not allow such acts to happen in silence again.
