Hundreds of women gathered outside the United Nations headquarters in New York, passionately calling for the release of Israeli women still held captive by Hamas. The demonstration brought attention to mounting criticism of UN Women, the United Nations agency dedicated to gender equality, for its prolonged silence on the sexual violence inflicted on Israeli women during the Oct. 7 attacks. Protesters accused the organization of failing to uphold its mandate to advocate for the rights of women in all circumstances, regardless of political or geographic context.

UN Women, established to promote gender equality and empower women globally, collaborates with UN Member States, governments, and civil society to create and implement policies, laws, and services that protect and benefit women. While the organization has been vocal in condemning Israeli airstrikes and advocating for the protection of women and girls in Gaza, critics argue it fell short in addressing the atrocities committed against Israeli women. For nearly seven weeks after the attacks, the agency remained silent on the sexual violence perpetrated by Hamas, only issuing a statement of alarm and calling for an investigation in a Nov. 24 post on X (formerly Twitter). For many, the response was seen as inadequate and long overdue.

Protest organizer Shany Granot-Lubaton expressed the frustration felt by many. “I care about women in Gaza, I care about children in Gaza, but the fact that they cannot speak in a clear voice about what happened on Oct. 7 and about the atrocities that Israeli women and children went through is unacceptable and unforgettable,” she said. Her sentiments were echoed by other demonstrators, who accused UN Women of selective advocacy that prioritized political considerations over universal human rights.

As criticism of the organization grew, disturbing accounts of Hamas’ treatment of hostages began to emerge in Israel. Efrat Bron-Harlev, CEO of Schneider Children’s Medical Center, shared reports from released children who described psychological abuse during their captivity. “We heard again and again that Hamas psychologically harassed them daily,” she said. “They were told, ‘You’re not going to go back. There is no Israel anymore. There’s nowhere for you to go back to, and nobody’s looking for you.’” These accounts underscored the profound human toll of the hostage crisis and amplified calls for immediate action to ensure the safe release of those still in captivity.

The protest at the UN headquarters highlighted the broader issue of perceived double standards in global advocacy for women’s rights. Demonstrators argued that organizations like UN Women have a responsibility to condemn violence against women wherever it occurs, regardless of the political or cultural context. Many saw the delayed response to the Oct. 7 atrocities as emblematic of a failure to consistently apply the principles of gender equality and human rights.

This demonstration was more than a plea for justice for Israeli women; it was a call for systemic change in how international organizations address gender-based violence in times of war and crisis. Protesters demanded that UN Women and other global entities adopt a more inclusive and impartial approach, ensuring that every victim is heard and supported. The protest was also a reminder that silence, particularly in the face of atrocities, undermines the credibility of organizations dedicated to defending women’s rights.

The stories of the hostages and the voices of the protesters carry a clear message: gender equality must be upheld universally, without exception. Advocacy for women’s rights cannot be selective, and organizations tasked with championing these causes must demonstrate unwavering commitment to their mission. The protest outside the UN was a powerful reminder that addressing violence against women requires not only words but consistent action, regardless of the victims’ identities or the political complexities surrounding their suffering.

Meyer Harroch, New York Jewish Travel Guide

(11/26/2023)