Israeli Hostages Families stages silent protest in front of UN WOMEN HQ

Yesterday activists and families of Israeli hostages gathered in front of UN Women headquarters to demand the organization condemn the October 7th, 2023 atrocities against women in Israel and act for the immediate release of 13 women still held hostage in Gaza.

The emotional demonstration featured thirteen women dressed in white, their mouths covered with duct tape bearing the number 423—representing the days the hostages have spent in captivity. As “בואי אמא” (Come, Mother) played in the background, the protest echoed similar silent demonstrations held in Israel for weeks, coinciding with the UN International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on November 25th.

Lian Weiss, Family member of hostage Arbel Yehoud said: “Please close your eyes for a moment and imagine: Imagine it is you. You are ripped from your home. You, enduring 423 days—14 months—a year and two months of violence and isolation. Imagine the pain. The fear. The helplessness. How would you feel? How would you survive?

We cannot let this become their forever. Every moment we delay is another moment of agony for these women. We must act. We have the power to change their fate.

Because this is not just about Arbel. This is about every woman held captive. This is about choosing to stand for what is right.

Let us not fail them. Let us not fail ourselves. Together, let us fight for their freedom. Together, let us Bring Them Home Now ALIVE.”

Lizzy Savetsky, Jewish influencer and pro-Israel activist addressed: “It is despicable that UN Women have remained silent and inactive. Their ability to speak up for women in Gaza and Lebanon demonstrates they can act when they choose to. Yet, when it comes to advocating for our women, their silence is deafening. If these girls belonged to another nationality or religion, I have no doubt UN Women would be speaking out for them.”