OPINION:
Last week, I had the privilege of organizing a luncheon with Danielle Ofek, the founder of #MeToo_Unless_UR-a_Jew. Joined by a close friend who is a well-known national security spokesperson, our gathering aimed to address the upcoming Israeli march, uniting actresses, media figures, and businesswomen alongside the mothers of Israeli hostages. The purpose was to raise awareness about the abuse faced by prisoners in Gaza, particularly the Israeli female hostages.
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During our discussions, my friend and I expressed our concerns about the lack of support from women’s groups, including UN Women, for the return of these hostages. It seemed as if these young Israeli women were unfairly blamed for their plight.
Deeply moved by Danielle’s stories, my colleague and I recorded a message to the families emphasizing our support and assuring them that they aren’t forgotten. We acknowledged the difficulty of offering comfort to mothers facing unimaginable horrors but assured them of our daily prayers and efforts to raise awareness.
The following day, my inbox overflowed with videos and photos from the march depicting women adorned in black and red ribbons, symbolizing solidarity and strength. Their global plea extended beyond the return of hostages, as they also urged funders to hold women’s organizations accountable for their failure to address violence against women everywhere.
The visuals from the march were impactful, portraying a hostage’s mother struggling to express herself and a young woman in a cage surrounded by mothers’ audible cries.
The #MeToo_UNless_UR_a_Jew movement transcends being merely a reaction; it is a resounding call for action, urging women’s organizations, especially UN Women, to uphold their ideals of preventing violence against women.
This movement emphasizes that women’s rights are a global concern, stressing the importance of not ignoring women’s suffering and the necessity of holding perpetrators accountable. It is not a political group but focuses on condemning rape unequivocally and advocating for equal rights for Israeli women.
Danielle notes, “In the march towards equality, every woman’s voice is a note in the symphony of change. Together, our chorus rises not just in defiance against the silence of oppression but as a harmonious testament to the strength, dignity, and unity of women worldwide.”
As a mother with a 25-year-old daughter, I find it challenging to comprehend the pain of knowing the degradation your child is experiencing. The stories are soul-crushing. Let’s keep their mothers and families in our thoughts and prayers.
Support these efforts to let them know they are not alone. Building a future where every woman receives justice and becomes an unwavering supporter of it is crucial.
It can only begin when we bring these women and girls home.
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Lisa Gable is a CEO, former US Ambassador, UN Delegate, and author of Wall Street Journal and USA Today Bestseller “Turnaround – How to Change Course When Things Are Going South.” Lisa is recognized worldwide as a turnaround mastermind and innovative businesswoman and started her career in the Reagan administration.
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