Last week, Prof. Ruth Halperin-Kaddari, Founding Head of Bar-Ilan’s Rackman Center, spoke to British MPs and peers about the sexual violence committed by Hamas on 7 October. The parliamentary briefing was chaired by Sharon Hodgson MP, alongside the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Victims, Alex Davies-Jones MP.
Prof. Halperin-Kaddari
During the briefing, Prof. Halperin-Kaddari spoke about Hamas’ gender-based atrocities and the campaigning she has been doing since 7 October in the context of the Dinah 7.10 project to convince the UN and international human rights bodies to recognise these atrocities.
Prof. Halperin-Kaddari answered MP’s questions about the Israeli authorities handling of 7 October and the challenges she has faced in gathering evidence to seek justice for the victims.
Also attending the briefing were representatives from the Jewish Leadership Council, Board of Deputies and Jewish Representative Council. Max Dunbar, Executive Director of the British Friends of Bar-Ilan University, commented:
“It was an honour and privilege to host Prof. Halperin-Kaddari in Parliament today. As we strive to gain justice for the victims of Hamas’ gender-based atrocities, this briefing was an important step in raising awareness amongst our own politicians and communal leaders. We look forward to welcoming Prof. Halperin-Kaddari back to the UK soon to continue the conversations”.
(l-r) Max Dunbar, Executive Director, BFBIU; Romie Tager KC, Chair, BFBIU; Prof. Halperin-Kaddari; Andrew Singer KC, Trustee, BFBIU
The Ruth and Emanuel Rackman Center
Founded by Prof. Halperin-Kaddari in 2001 as part of Bar-Ilan University’s Faculty of Law, the Rackman Center promotes the status of women in matters of family law and seeks to end gender discrimination and inequality in Israel.
The Centre serves as a nexus between research and activism, Israeli law and Jewish law, public advocacy and individual support, as well as legislation and litigation.
The Rackman Center implements a unique approach that combines knowledge and academic research with practical understanding of the legal system and policy development. Through its work, the Centre has proudly achieved a series of legislative and social changes in family law for women in Israel. It has also successfully promoted the status of women in matters related to Jewish law.
