Justice for the Victims of Hamas’ Gender-Based Atrocities: Bar-Ilan U Prof. Ruth Halperin-Kaddari’s Mission in NYC

Justice for the Victims of Hamas’ Gender-Based Atrocities: Bar-Ilan U Prof. Ruth Halperin-Kaddari’s Mission in NYC

Edited by: Fern Sidman

In the aftermath of Hamas’ brutal October 7 terrorist attacks, the world continues to grapple with the full extent of the horrors inflicted upon Israeli civilians, particularly the systematic sexual violence perpetrated against women. Amid efforts to expose these atrocities and seek justice for the victims, Bar-Ilan University’s Prof. Ruth Halperin-Kaddari, a globally recognized legal scholar and activist, has emerged as a leading force in ensuring that these crimes do not fade into silence.

This past week, Halperin-Kaddari visited New York City for a series of high-level meetings with Jewish organizations and leaders, underscoring the critical need for international recognition of Hamas’ gender-based crimes. Her visit, facilitated by the American Friends of Bar-Ilan University (BIU), took place between January 30 and February 1, and included engagements with prominent organizations such as the American Jewish Committee, Hadassah, and Elluminate.

The Dinah Project: A Fight for Recognition and Justice

At the heart of Halperin-Kaddari’s advocacy is The Dinah Project, a groundbreaking initiative she co-founded under the auspices of BIU’s Rackman Center for the Advancement of the Status of Women. Composed of a formidable team of legal experts, senior former civil servants, and top-tier academics, The Dinah Project has been relentless in its mission to expose Hamas’ sexual violence and secure justice for the victims.

Since its inception, The Dinah Project has led dozens of public appearances, briefings, and consultations with high-level diplomats, policymakers, journalists, and civil society figures. Its work was instrumental in prompting the United Nations Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Pramila Patten, to conduct a fact-finding mission in Israel. Patten’s investigation resulted in a landmark UN report documenting irrefutable evidence of Hamas’ systematic use of sexual violence during the October 7 attacks, countering early attempts by some international bodies to downplay or ignore these crimes.

Halperin-Kaddari’s contributions have also extended to the realm of media and public awareness. She provided expert commentary in former Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg’s documentary, Screams Before Silence: Bearing Witness to the Violence of October 7, which chronicles testimonies from survivors and underscores the horrific sexual crimes committed by Hamas terrorists.

A Moment of Triumph and Continued Struggle

Halperin-Kaddari’s visit to New York coincided with a significant milestone—the continued release of 33 hostages following the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. Among those who returned home were Romi Gonen, Emily Damari, and Doron Steinbrecher, three individuals whose freedom came after 471 days in captivity.

In a powerful LinkedIn post, Halperin-Kaddari reflected on the momentous homecoming:

“After 471 days of unimaginable nightmare, Romi, Doron, and Emily are finally home—safe in their families’ embrace. Our hearts overflow with joy seeing their reunion, hearing their voices again, witnessing these miraculous moments of return. The Dinah Project has called on Israeli media outlets to respect the privacy of the returnees and allow them to heal away from the public eye. The returning hostages need time to process their trauma and rebuild their lives at their own pace. Yet even as we rejoice, we ache for those still in captivity. Every hostage is an entire world, and we will not rest until all return home to their waiting families. The imperative to secure everyone’s release burns within us more urgently than ever.”

This statement encapsulates the dual reality facing Israel today—an overwhelming relief for those who have been freed, but also an unrelenting anguish for the many still held in Gaza.

The Rackman Center: A Legacy of Advocacy

While The Dinah Project represents a new frontier in the fight for gender justice, its foundation was laid over two decades ago by the Rackman Center at Bar-Ilan University, which Halperin-Kaddari helped establish in 2001. Named after the late Rabbi Emanuel Rackman, the center has been a beacon of legal aid, women’s rights advocacy, and gender equality initiatives in Israel.

For years, the Rackman Center has fought for women’s empowerment in matters of family law, helping women navigate the complexities of divorce, custody battles, and religious legal systems that have often placed them at a disadvantage. This long-standing commitment to justice and gender equity directly informed the creation of The Dinah Project, which extends the center’s mission to the realm of war crimes and mass atrocities.

A Fight That Cannot Be Ignored

Halperin-Kaddari’s advocacy comes at a critical time. While there has been growing acknowledgment of Hamas’ sexual violence, there remains an unsettling reluctance among certain international bodies and human rights organizations to unequivocally condemn these crimes. The selective silence of many feminist and human rights groups regarding the atrocities of October 7 has only strengthened the resolve of Halperin-Kaddari and The Dinah Project.

Her meetings in New York were aimed at ensuring that Hamas’ war crimes do not fade from global discourse. By rallying Jewish organizations, media, and legal institutions, Halperin-Kaddari continues to drive home the urgent need for accountability—both for the victims of sexual violence and for the hostages still in captivity.

Bar-Ilan University’s unwavering commitment to justice and the values of Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) have positioned it at the forefront of this fight. Through The Dinah Project and the Rackman Center, BIU is not only amplifying the voices of victims but also shaping the international response to gender-based war crimes.

As Halperin-Kaddari’s mission gains momentum, one message remains clear: The world cannot afford to turn away. Silence is complicity, and justice for the victims of October 7 must remain an uncompromising priority.