NEW YORK, NY – The lack of condemnation of recent appalling crimes against Israeli girls and women by Hamas is not only unjust, but also a sign of deeper biases that must be addressed, according to U.S. Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism Deborah Lipstadt and U.S. Permanent Representative to the UN Human Rights Council Michèle Taylor. The two ambassadors expressed deep concern over the slow response of international organizations, governments, and civil society to the gang-rape and sexual assaults that occurred during the Hamas attacks on October 7th.
The lack of swift condemnation and support for the victims of these horrific occurrences represents a departure from the typical global gender-based violence movement’s emphasis on believing survivors’ accounts. While similar incidents involving other groups have seen prompt and forceful responses from feminist leaders, women’s groups, and UN bodies, the same level of support has been lacking in the case of the Israeli victims.
U.S. President Biden has condemned Hamas’s use of rape and sexual assaults in the attacks and called for a forceful and unequivocal condemnation of the violence. However, the hesitancy of others, particularly those mandated to fight gender-based violence, to speak out or show reluctance in doing so signals a deeper issue that must be acknowledged and addressed.
The use of sexual violence as a tool of war is undeniably on the rise, and ignoring or delaying a response to credible reports inadvertently validates these acts. The ambassadors stress the urgent necessity of believing women’s voices and reaffirming the commitment to all survivors and victims of gender-based violence. This is not just an issue of justice, but a matter of urgent necessity.
The fight against gender-based violence and antisemitism requires a collective effort to challenge the underlying and often unconscious biases that hinder the pursuit of justice and equality. It’s time to confront the uncomfortable reality of the silence and discredit of accounts, and reaffirm the commitment to all survivors and victims of gender-based violence. The use of sexual violence in conflict is unacceptable, and it’s a stance that everyone should agree on, regardless of their position on the broader conflict.
Support and information for anyone affected by rape or sexual abuse issues are available through numerous organizations worldwide. The fight for justice and equality must continue, and the voices of all women must be heard and believed.
Ambassador Deborah Lipstadt is the US special envoy to monitor and combat antisemitism, while Ambassador Michèle Taylor is the US permanent representative to the UN human rights council.