The Silence on Hamas's Horrifying Acts

During the time of Passover, Jews worldwide remember their history of suffering and freedom. This year, Jewish women have a specific message for feminist groups: treat us equally. On October 7, Hamas terrorists attacked Israeli civilians. This day was marked by terror, kidnapping, and trauma. It also highlighted a grim reality: gender-based violence on a massive scale. Survivors from the Nova music festival, where over 360 people were killed, reported witnessing rape and gang rape. The New York Times, a documentary by Sheryl Sandberg, and testimonies from former hostages all document these horrific acts. In March, a released American hostage, Keith Siegel, shared his harrowing experiences on "60 Minutes. " He saw sexual assaults and torture of female hostages. The United Nations special envoy on sexual violence in conflict issued a report. It confirmed that some women and children were raped and sexually tortured. This should have sparked outrage from feminist groups worldwide. However, many have remained silent. Social media accounts with millions of followers promote rape denialism. Many human rights groups and feminist organizations refuse to acknowledge these crimes.

This silence is a moral failure. It creates a dangerous precedent, normalizing rape as a weapon of war. At a recent conference, a presenter explained how this denialism is often excused to support political goals. The fear is that downplaying sexual violence in one conflict will lead to its normalization in others. Diminishing the experiences of Jewish women affects all female victims of terror globally. Feminist organizations, human rights bodies, and political leaders must recognize and denounce these atrocities. Their silence betrays the principles they claim to uphold. The rights of women should not be conditional on nationality. Sexual violence must be condemned universally, not selectively. The Passover story teaches us that freedom requires action. The Israelites were not freed through silence. Moses demanded their emancipation repeatedly. Similarly, we must demand justice for Jewish women who are victims of these crimes. We must affirm to the survivors of the October 7 attacks: you are not alone. Your pain is real, and your dignity is sacred. This Passover, let it remind us of our duty to stand up for those silenced. Let us ensure their suffering becomes a catalyst for change. In doing so, we honor the true meaning of liberation. One that frees us all from the horrors of sexual violence and terror. This is a time to reflect on the broader implications of silence and inaction. It is a call to action for all who value justice and equality.

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