- Michael Balaban
Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia President and CEO

One year ago, on International Women’s Day, we condemned the inaction, minimization, and outright denial of the gender-based violence committed by Hamas against Israeli women and girls on Oct. 7. We called out the hypocrisy of global human rights organizations, many of which refused to acknowledge these atrocities simply because the victims were Israeli. We demanded justice for the women who were raped and murdered, for the hostages still held in Gaza and for the survivors whose voices were being silenced.

Yet here we are, a year later, and the stain on International Women’s Day remains.

The evidence is irrefutable. Israel’s chief medical examiner, Dr. Chen Kugel, confirmed that forensic examinations revealed signs of extreme sexual violence among victims. Some women were raped before being executed. Others were brutalized and burned in attempts to erase the evidence. Hostages who have returned home have recounted the unspeakable horrors they endured, including systematic rape and torture. And yet, many of the world’s leading women’s rights organizations continue to turn a blind eye — issuing no statements, organizing no rallies and offering no support.

The United Nations itself took nearly five months to release a report confirming what we had known all along: Hamas committed war crimes through the use of sexual violence against Israeli women, men and children. But even that report was met with skepticism, due in part to a "lack of public trust and confidence in national and international institutions,” according to Pramila Patten, the UN Special Envoy on sexual violence in conflict. That same negligence continues today, as the women who were held hostage in Gaza are being denied their most basic human rights — including the right to be heard.

This is not just a women’s issue. This is a human rights issue. And every person who believes in justice should be outraged.

As Jewish communities continue to face rising hostility, we see these same patterns of silence and disregard being played out on college campuses. Over the past year, anti-Israel protests have escalated into targeted harassment of Jewish students, disruptions of classrooms and events, and university administrations struggling — or outright refusing — to take action. Throughout the spring and summer of 2024, the Jewish Federation worked closely with university leadership and organizations, like Hillel, Chabad and the Israel on Campus Coalition to push for necessary policy changes. This advocacy has led to stronger enforcement of university policies, ensuring that institutions uphold their commitments to protecting all students.

One of the most significant steps taken was the suspension of multiple Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) chapters that engaged in conduct violating university policies. This set a critical precedent, and we have seen a growing willingness among some university leaders to take similar action — most recently, Swarthmore College’s suspension of its SJP chapter.

Our Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) has been at the forefront of addressing these challenges. 

Just last week, JCRC hosted two major programs — a workshop and a town hall — with a combined attendance of more than 350 participants in Greater Philadelphia. These events convened the Lower Merion School Board, advocacy organizations, such as the Anti-Defamation League and American Jewish Committee, and academic institutions, like the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History and Gratz College. Together, they educated our community on the history of antisemitism, its modern manifestations and proactive strategies to combat it.

The town hall provided a vital forum for open, honest conversations. Leaders answered tough questions, listened to critical feedback and reinforced their commitment to accountability. The discussion also underscored the importance of civic engagement, emphasizing that local elections, school board decisions, and public policy directly impact how antisemitism is addressed in our communities.

Most importantly, these programs reinforced the need for a strong, united front in the fight against antisemitism. Public forums like these not only equip individuals with the tools to navigate campus climates and engage with leadership, but also foster trust and collaboration between institutions, advocacy groups, and community members. Through these initiatives, we are strengthening communal support systems, encouraging personal relationship-building to break down barriers, and ensuring that Jewish students and families are empowered to advocate for their rights and safety.

That is why we refuse to stay silent. We will continue to amplify the voices of survivors, advocates, and those directly impacted, ensuring their stories are heard and their calls for justice are met with action. 

As we enter Shabbat, we hold in our hearts the victims and survivors of these atrocities. We pray for their full recovery — both body and spirit — and for the swift return of the hostages still held in Gaza. And as we welcome Shabbat, we renew our commitment to bringing the truth to light — not just today, but until justice is served.

We urge you to take action. Contact your representatives. Demand accountability from human rights organizations. Refuse to let this injustice be ignored.

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