World Jewish Congress Joins Forces with Brussels-based Organizations for Post-Oct. 7 Women’s Advocacy Forum for EU Institutions

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.