A failure to scream in outrage
Where are the voices of solidarity with Jewish women whose very identities are being targeted?
The return of the Bibas family, particularly the separation of the children from their mother, Shiri, has sparked outrage and devastation among Jewish communities worldwide.
This is not just a personal tragedy, but an emblematic moment in the broader struggle for moral clarity when it comes to confronting evil in all its forms.
It is distressing to see the glaring lack of response, particularly from women’s organisations that claim to champion human rights for all.
Where is the condemnation from women’s rights groups? Where are the voices of solidarity with Jewish women whose very identities are being targeted?
This tragedy speaks to the reality that Jewish pain is often relegated to the periphery of global discourse, if recognised at all.
Feminism is supposed to stand for the rights of all women. Yet the feminist movement has become alienated from Jewish women’s experience, choosing silence when their voices need to be heard.
The failure to condemn and scream in outrage reflects this disturbing shift in the feminist movement from inclusion to exclusion.
Are we surprised? Hardly.
It took five months for the UN to release a report confirming the use of sexual violence during the October 7 atrocities. Sheryl Sandberg had to make a film, Screams before Silence, to ensure the systematic targeting of civilian Jewish women and the ensuing sexual violence was witnessed and heard.
Jewish women have always been at the forefront of struggles for social justice.
We must reclaim that mantle in the fight for a moral and inclusive feminism.
Please join us to mark International Women’s Day together at Strengthened by Sisterhood. Enjoy a performance by Deborah Conway and Willy Zygier, along with inspiring stories from “lionesses” who have elevated our voices as Jewish women.
Anna Serry is president of NCJWA (Vic). Strengthened by Sisterhood will take place on March 7 at 11am. Register at events.humanitix.com/iwd-strengthened-by-sisterhood
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