Hadassah’s End the Silence campaign launched on March 8, International Women’s Day.
In response to a United Nations report finding “clear and convincing information” of rape and sexualized torture being committed against hostages kidnapped during the Oct. 7 terror attacks and evidence of sexual violence, including rape in multiple locations, Hadassah National President Carol Ann Schwartz released the following statement:
“The UN-released report … confirms, as others have found, that female hostages kidnapped and held by Hamas were, and likely continue to be, subjected to sexual violence, torture and abuse. Despite the overwhelming information presented, blatant misinformation continues to spread – even from reporters at the press conference – perpetuating a grotesque denial that any of the horrific sexual attacks took place. The UN must take greater action to condemn Hamas for weaponizing sexual violence, to ensure the immediate release of Hamas’ hostages, and to hold Hamas accountable for these war crimes.”
She continued “Hadassah continues to call on international leaders to end the silence around Hamas’ use of sexual violence as a weapon of war and demand justice.”
