Content Warning: This episode features explicit description of sexual violence.

After October 7th, it quickly became clear that Hamas had committed acts of sexual violence during their attack on civilians in Israel. Ruth Halperin-Kaddari, Former Vice-Chair of the UN Committee on Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, soon found herself on the front lines of a campaign to communicate the severity and scope of these crimes to the United Nations. In this episode, she tells the story of what happened in the days following the attack, the evolution of international responses, advocacy for an international investigation, and the pursuit of justice against the perpetrators. This episode was recorded in April 2024.

Featuring:

Ruth Halperin-Kaddari, Professor of Law, Founding Academic Director, Rackman Center for the Advancement of the Status of Women Bar-Ilan University Faculty of Law; Former Vice-Chair, UN Committee on Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW)

Masua Sagiv (Moderator), 2021–2024 Koret Visiting Assistant Professor of Jewish and Israel Studies, UC Berkeley; Scholar-in-Residence, Shalom Hartman Institute

If you or someone you know is experiencing sexual assault, rape, or domestic violence, it's crucial to know where to turn for help and support. Here are some resources available in the US and Israel that offer assistance to individuals in need:

In the US, individuals can reach out to the US Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or the US Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) for support and assistance.

In Israel, the Women’s Hotline for Sexual Assault and Rape can be contacted at 1202, while the Men and Youth Hotline for Sexual Assault and Rape is reachable at 1203. Additionally, individuals experiencing domestic violence can call the Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-22-0000 for help and support.

About the Helen Diller Institute:

The Helen Diller Institute for Jewish Law and Israel Studies provides a rich academic forum for our nation’s future leaders to explore the breadth and complexity of Israel and contemporary Jewish issues. At a time when polarization is more severe than ever, we bring integrity, excellence, and grit to fostering dynamic spaces where students and the wider community can thoughtfully exchange ideas. To learn more about our mission and work, please visit hdi.berkeley.edu.

Production by Yellow Armadillo Studios. Click here to view a transcript of this episode.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.