At 6:30 am on Saturday morning Oct 7th, Hamas terrorists infiltrated Israel leaving entire communities shattered. Over 1200 innocent civilians faced unimaginable horrors. Women of all ages, mothers, children and infants were violently murdered, tortured, sexually abused, mutilated, burned alive, slaughtered or abducted as part of the attacks.
ABOUT
The Civil Commission on Oct 7th Crimes by Hamas
Against Women and Children
As more and more evidence of brutal crimes against women and children emerged, a global denial campaign also emerged.
At Dvora Institute for Gender and Sustainability Studies, we understood we must take immediate action and established the Civil Commission on Oct 7th Crimes by Hamas against Women and Children. This independent, non-governmental commission is created to document and archive every testimony and information, to research, advocate for, and support the investigation of war crimes committed by Hamas against women and children during the massacre on Oct 7th, and since then towards abducted women and children.
Read more about the establishment of the Civil Commission Here
“A Right Delayed is a Right Denied.”
– Martin Luther King, Jr
FOUNDATIONS OF CHANGE
DOCUMENT
Our mission begins with documenting the stark realities of the October 7th events. By meticulously gathering and preserving every testimony and piece of evidence, we create an archive to ensure that the information we receive and each story are recorded for the future. This is vital part of unveiling the comprehensive truth of the atrocities, keeping the memories alive for future generations. • Investigating, gathering information, and collecting testimonies, documenting and researching the crimes committed against women and children on Oct 7th and since then, in captivity. • 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 • Create accessible resource center for investigation, research, and memorial purposes. This center and the archive will stand as a testament to history and a beacon for future generations, ensuring these narratives are accessible 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. • Examine the incidents for violations of international humanitarian and human rights laws. • Assess the gender-specific impacts of the crimes committed. • Place events within a broader historical context to understand their significance and impact. • Analyze precedents and patterns in similar conflict situations • Publish comprehensive reports and research papers. • Disseminate findings through academic journals, conferences, and digital platforms.
ADVOCATE
We aim to be a loud and clear voice for justice for the victimized women and children. Our commission engages with global human rights institutions to push for recognition and action in service of justice. We work tirelessly to bring the plight of these victims to the forefront of global consciousness. • Engaging with UN bodies, states, and international organizations to condemn crimes against women and children. • Promoting the establishment of an international legal tribunal for the Oct 7th war crimes. • Supporting initiatives for the treatment and healing of victims, both directly and indirectly affected.
POLICY
Our work extends to influencing policy at both national and international levels. We strive to shape laws and policies that not only recognize and redress the past atrocities but also protect and empower women and children in the future. By driving systemic change, we aim to prevent the recurrence of such tragedies. • Fostering structural change in the human rights system, based on the voices of the victims. • Advocating for changes in international laws, policies and human rights mechanisms. • Promoting female leadership in strategic planning and decision-making processes.
SUPPORT OUR MISSION
Together, we can turn silence into global change, combat denial and bring justice to survivors. Your invaluable support by donation will help us sustain our efforts to turn global silence into global change
WAYS TO DONATE
1. By Wire Transfer
Bank: JPMorgan Chase Bank
Account #: 134760786
ABA #: 021 000 021
Name: Jewish Communal Fund, 575 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10022
Remark/ Reference: The Civil Commission on Oct. 7th Crimes by Hamas Against Women and Children Fund – Fund #7761
Please accompany donation with email to: info@dvora-institute.org
2. By Cheque
Checks should be made payable to “Jewish Communal Fund”, 575 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10022
and sent via US Postal Service regular or Priority Mail only
(not a postal service that requires a signature).Please write “The Civil Commission fund #7761” on the memo line or accompanying note and mail to: info@dvora-institute.org
3. By Credit Card
Click on the link below to donate by card
IMPORTANT: Our fund #7761
Card DonationPlease accompany donation with email to: info@dvora-institute.org
The Jewish Communal Fund of New York will provide you with a tax-recognized receipt in accordance with regulations in the USA.
Donations are tax-deductible in the US
By Wire Transfer
Bank: Bank Leumi Le-Israel B.M
Account #: 00242300
Name: Dvora Institute
Branch: Givat Shaul Business 647
Address: 35 Kanfei Nesharim st., Jerusalem
SWIFT: LUMIILITXXX
IBAN: IL380106470000000242300
Please accompany donation with email to: info@dvora-institute.org
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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GET INVOLVED
Help Us Spread the Truth
Founded in 2021, Dvora is an applied research institute dedicated to addressing social and gender challenges through a strategic lens. We are committed to reducing gender gaps, promoting gender equality, diversity, and inclusion, and incorporating the gender perspective in emergency responses.
We envision a world where gender-based violence is not just recognized but actively combated, where victims receive justice, and where women and children are safe from the horrors of war crimes.
Our commitment extends to bridging the gap between academic inquiry and policy implementation. By collaborating with a diverse network of scholars, policymakers, grassroots activists, and global leaders, we strive to translate complex research findings into effective, real-world policies and strategies.
Global Webinar Hosted by Harvard University
A groundbreaking webinar with Harvard University, drawing attention from influential journalists and news producers.
The webinar's recording has since garnered thousands of views worldwide, igniting global discourse on the GBV committed in Israel on October 7th.
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White House Engagement
Met and briefed Jennifer Klein, Assistant to the President and Director of the White House Gender Policy Council.
This led to a historic statement from the White House, marking a strong partnership to support our commission's mission, including a statement by Vice President Kamala Harris.
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Extensive Media Coverage
Achieved wide media coverage in prominent outlets such as CNN, Washington Post, The New York Times, NBC News, Bloomberg, and AFP.
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Influential Meetings and Briefings
Briefed state senators in New York City,held significant meetings with global decision-makers, including Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez of Spain, Prime Minister Alexander De Croo of Belgium, and senior officials from the White House.
Delivered a speech at the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and engaged in meetings with senior international stakeholders.
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High-Profile Endorsements
Our mission mobilized the women rights movement that resulted in public condemnation of the GBV incidents from prominent women leaders such as Sheryl Sandberg, Gloria Steinem, Catharine A. MacKinnon, Ashley Judd, Mandana Dayani, and Diane Von Furstenberg and others.
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Achievements
In the first eight weeks since Oct 7th,
the civil commission has spearheaded an international movement against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), catalyzing significant global awareness and policy responses