Turning Silence Into Global Change
Ensuring Oct 7th crimes are Never Forgotten, Never Denied
The Civil Commission on October 7th Crimes Against Women and Children was founded to document and raise international awareness of the war crimes and gender-based violence committed by Hamas and their collaborators against women, children and families during their brutal attack on Israel on October 7th. Led by Dr. Cochav Elkayam-Levy, a 2024 Israel Prize laureate and expert in human rights and international law, the Commission aims to provide a voice for the victims and challenges the denial of these atrocities. The Commission has established an archive to document and research the atrocities. With a team of over 40 experts, including researchers, lawyers, forensic specialists, and trauma experts, the archive serves as both a memorial and a vital historical record. Supported by leaders like Sheryl Sandberg and Prof. Irwin Cotler, and other prominent figures on our advisory board (LINK) the Commission has raised international awareness and forged global partnerships to highlight these atrocities and pursue justice for the victims.
Pillars of change
Document
Our mission begins with documenting the stark realities of the October 7th events. By meticulously gathering and preserving every testimony and all materials, we have created an archive to ensure that, and each story is recorded for future research. This is vital part of unveiling the comprehensive truth of the atrocities and keeping the memories alive for future generations.
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Gather information and collect testimonies, documenting and researching the crimes committed against women, children and families on Oct 7th and during their captivity.
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Create an archive to preserve each account and detail ensuring the stories of October 7th endure as a testament to history and for future generations
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Establish an accessible resource center for investigation, research, and memorial purposes, ensuring these narratives are available to all who seek understanding or wish to pay tribute.
Research
Research is the backbone of our pursuit of justice. Our team delves into detailed analyses, exploring the nuances of each event and its impact. By understanding the complexities of these crimes, we are better equipped to advocate effectively and influence policy changes that matter.
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Examine the incidents for violations of international humanitarian and human rights laws.
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Assess the gender-specific impacts of the crimes committed.
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Place events within a broader historical context to understand their significance and impact.
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Analyze precedents and patterns in similar conflict situations
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Publish comprehensive reports and research papers.
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Disseminate findings through academic journals, conferences, and digital platforms.
Advocate
We are committed to being a loud and clear voice for justice for the victims, working tirelessly to bring their plight to the forefront of global consciousness. Our commission engages with international human rights institutions and aims to influence policy at both national and global levels. We strive to shape laws and policies that not only address past atrocities but also protect and empower women and children in the future. By driving systemic change, we aim to contribute to the prevention of the recurrence of such tragedies.
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Engaging with international organizations to condemn crimes against women and children.
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Promoting the establishment of an international legal tribunal for the Oct 7th war crimes.
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Fostering structural change in the human rights system, based on the voices of the victims.
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Advocating for changes in international laws, policies and human rights mechanisms.
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Promoting female leadership in strategic planning and decision-making processes.
OUR MISSION
Empower Through Knowledge:
By educating and informing, we empower communities and policymakers to act decisively against gender-based violence.
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Amplify Silenced Voices
We give a platform to the voiceless, ensuring their experiences are heard, acknowledged, and never forgotten
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a Path to Healing:
Beyond documenting tragedies, we're committed to healing - advocating for support systems that help survivors rebuild.
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Advocate for Justice
We tirelessly advocate for the victims, demanding justice and accountability, challenging the world to face and rectify these injustices
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Influence Global Policies
Striving to reshape international policies, ensuring a safer, just world for women and children
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Unearth the Truth
Revealing each untold story from October 7th, each narrative we document casts light on shadows ignored.
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Achievements
Raising awareness of the October 7th attacks has reached millions globally through the media, garnering international attention and support for the victims. This effort has amplified the victims' voices, engaged global human rights institutions, and sought recognition of these crimes on a worldwide scale.
Statements of Recognition and Endorsements
Met and briefed prominent leaders, including the White House senior staff on gender policy. These resulted in several historical statements of recognition and support for the victims of Oct. 7th. Our mission mobilized the women rights movement that resulted in public condemnation of the Gender Based Violence incidents from prominent women leaders such as Sheryl Sandberg, Gloria Steinem, Catharine A. MacKinnon, Ashley Judd, Mandana Dayani, and Diane Von Furstenberg and others.
Briefings and Speeches
Briefed state senators in New York City and held significant meetings with global decision-makers, including senior White House Officials, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez of Spain, Prime Minister Alexander De Croo of Belgium. Delivered a speech at the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and engaged in meetings with senior international stakeholders.
Kinocide
Reflecting on the horrific events of Oct. 7th, when families were deliberately weaponized during Hama’ attack, Dr. Cochav Elkayam-Levy and Prof. Irwin Cotler coined a new definition giving rise to the term "Kinocide" to describe this form of cruelty. Read more
Global Webinars
A series of high-profile webinars, including one with Harvard University, attracted attention from influential journalists and news producers. The recording has since garnered thousands of views worldwide, sparking global discourse on the gender-based violence (GBV) committed in Israel on October 7th. Another notable event was the New York State Bar Association webinar, which featured Dr. Cochav Elkayam-Levy, Chair of the Civil Commission on Oct. 7th Crimes Against Women and Children and recipient of the Israel Prize. The webinar was moderated by NYSBA President Richard Lewis.
Extensive Media Coverage
Our wide media coverage in prominent outlets such as CNN, Washington Post, The New York Times, NBC News, Bloomberg, and AFP amplifies the victims’ voices and raises essential awareness.
Our Partners
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