Sheryl Sandberg, founder of “Lean In” and former chief operating officer of Facebook, spoke out against the brutality and sexual violence committed by Hamas against Jewish women. Sandberg addressed the issue at an event hosted by Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Gilad Erdan, on October 7. The event aimed to shed light on the horrors faced by Israeli women and expose the silence of women’s organizations on the matter.
Sandberg highlighted the importance of recognizing the unacceptable nature of rape and sexual violence, regardless of political affiliations. She emphasized that the fight against sexual violence should transcend political divisions and called on everyone to speak out against it.
Israeli officers shared harrowing accounts of the aftermath of the attacks, including broken pelvises, gunshot wounds targeted at sexual organs, and amputations. Sandberg and other activists at the event criticized women’s organizations for their silence, labeling it as complicity.
Sandberg expressed her hope that the event would serve as a turning point for the United Nations and women’s organizations to take a stand against rape and sexual violence. She stressed the need for unity in opposing antisemitism, Islamophobia, and racism, believing that hatred should not be tolerated against any group.
The event was attended by more than 700 ambassadors, diplomats, representatives of UN agencies, Jewish organizations, and civil society organizations. Erdan, who initiated the event, denounced the silence of UN women and called for courageous leaders and women to amplify the voices of Israeli women who had been raped, brutalized, and mutilated.
Sandberg’s impassioned plea for action against sexual violence resonated strongly with attendees, and it is hoped that her message will inspire change and justice for the victims. The truth must prevail, and the voices of Israeli women must be heard.
The article was written by Brooke Singman, a digital politics reporter. For more political updates and exclusive interviews, subscribe to her newsletter or reach out to her on Twitter.
