Israel's Michal Herzog, UN's Patten unite against sexual violence in conflict

Israel's First Lady, Michal Herzog, joined forces with Pramilla Patten, the United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict in a significant meeting at the President's Residence in Jerusalem on Monday.

This high-profile encounter was intended to promote a global commitment to addressing sexual and gender-based violence, especially in the context of the alarming incidents reportedly perpetrated by Hamas on October 7.

President Isaac Herzog, reflecting on the gravity of the October 7 events, emphasized the importance of storytelling, investigation, and care for the victims. He stated, “The scenes we saw on 7th October continue to reverberate. They must be told and must be investigated, and most of all, the victims must be cared for.”

Adding the sentiment of solidarity and support, First Lady Herzog expressed her gratitude to Under-Secretary Patten, highlighting the significance of her visit to Israel. “As a woman to a woman, I want to thank you very much for coming to Israel with an open heart and open mind to listen and to see, and to help the survivors,” she said.

Pramilla Patten, expressing her solidarity with Israel and acknowledging the victims' struggles, remarked, “I'm here to express my solidarity with the Government of Israel, the people of Israel, the survivors, the families of victims, and the families of hostages.” She further stressed the insidious nature of sexual violence, especially when used as a tactic in warfare or terrorism.

UN's Patten: Please come forward, please break your silence

In a call to action, Under-Secretary Patten urged survivors, families of victims, and witnesses to break the silence, emphasizing that silence only empowers the perpetrators. “Please come forward, please break your silence because your silence will be the license of those perpetrators, and would-be perpetrators, to continue to do these heinous crimes,” she implored.

The meeting, which also included Israel's Ambassador to the United Nations, Gilad Erdan, and representatives from the Foreign Ministry, went beyond high-level discussions. It involved engaging with a variety of Israeli civil society, legal, and medical experts dedicated to women's rights. This collaborative approach indicates a robust and multi-faceted effort to tackle sexual violence, a scourge that transcends borders and demands a united front.