Feb 27, 2024

Federation Partner Compiles Gender-Based Violence Report From 10/7


Reporting on the horrific accounts of gender-based violence committed by Hamas on October 7, the Association of Rape Crisis Centers in Israel (ARCCI), a longtime Federation partner, has stepped up as a leader in the field. Supported by both the Annual Federation/UJA Campaign (through the Women’s Amutot Initiative) and the Israel Emergency Fund, the nonprofit recently compiled and published the first comprehensive report about the cases of rape and sexual abuse on October 7. Based on both confidential and open-source information, the report proved that women were assaulted in all the places where Hamas infiltrated and murdered innocent people: at the IDF bases captured, at the kibbutzim and moshavim and at the Tribe of Nova outdoor music festival. The attacks were systematic, sadistic and particularly brutal and were perpetrated with the intent to terrorize Israelis as well as those who would learn about it in the future. Orit Sulitzeanu, ARCCI CEO, stated, "The report … leaves no room for denial or disregard ... We expect international organizations to take a clear stance; we cannot stand on the sidelines.” The report was submitted to the UN Special Envoy on Sexual Violence in Conflict Areas. ARCCI is an umbrella organization of nine rape crisis centers in Israel that works to promote rights and services for survivors of sexual abuse and adopt preventive measures.