BRUSSELS - The World Jewish Congress (WJC) was a co-organizer and an active participant in a two-day event series on March 19 and 20, organized in the context of International Women's Day. The timing of the event was particularly relevant following the release of a harrowing report by Pramila Patten, the UN’s Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, detailing sexual violence by Hamas against Israeli women.
The events, on back-to-back days, were a collaborative effort with the Mission of Israel to the EU and NATO, the European Jewish Congress, the European Leadership Network (ELNET), B’nai B’rith International, and the AJC Transatlantic Institute, along with members of the European Parliament from five different political groups.
The first day was focused on members of the European Parliament and other EU institutions; they listened to the testimonies of two individuals who had been held hostage by Hamas and were later freed. Their stories provided insight into their experiences in Gaza.
These testimonies were followed by expert analyses on the subject, shifting the conversation to address the lack of outrage from international human rights organizations. Keynote speeches were delivered by Professor Yifat Bitton, a law professor and President of the Achva Academic College of Science and Education in Israel and co-founder of Tmura, the Israeli Center for Equality. Orit Sulitzeanu, the Executive Director of the Association of Rape Crisis Centers in Israel (ARCCI), also shared her expertise, offering perspectives on addressing sexual violence and supporting survivors.
The event on the following day was open to the wider public at the Centre Communautaire Laïc Juif (CCLJ), further discussing the universal cause of defending women’s rights.
Professor Yifat Bitton again addressed the attendees, providing insights into legal and societal efforts to combat gender-based violence. Her speech underscored the need for comprehensive strategies and global cooperation. Their contributions highlighted the importance of international collaboration and effective policymaking in tackling sexual violence.
The event also featured remarks by H.E. Haim Regev, Ambassador of Israel to the EU and NATO, and MP Viviane Teitelbaum, a member of the Regional Parliament of Brussels (MR). Calling on European and international institutions to display their solidarity with the Israeli victims, Amb. Regev declared, “‘We have to give a voice to the voiceless. Sexual violence is a weapon of terror and must be condemned widely. Together, we can and must make a difference.” Bringing a female perspective to the forefront, MP Teitelbaum reiterated the condemnation of these assaults, saying, “October 7th has been the site of a mass femicide, and the condemnation of sexual violence cannot be adjusted to who is the victim of the conflict. Regardless of the identities of the victims, such actions have to be condemned.”
Through thoughtful organization and the engagement of a diverse group of participants and speakers, the event series not only highlighted the issue of sexual violence in conflict zones but also encouraged dialogue on potential solutions and policy changes. It showcased the importance of working together across borders and sectors to address critical human rights issues on the international stage.
