This May Bar-Ilan’s Prof. Ruth Halperin-Kaddari will be awarded an honorary degree by Brandeis University in Waltham, Massachusetts. Prof. Halperin-Kaddari is a member of Bar-Ilan’s Faculty of Law and founding academic director of the University’s Rackman Centre for the Advancement of the Status of Women.
Since 7th October, Prof. Halperin-Kaddari has played a leading role in fighting for international recognition of Hamas’ sexual crimes, culminating in the recent UN Under Secretary General’s report concluding that conflict related sexual violence likely occurred during the Hamas onslaught against southern Israel, as well as clear evidence that hostages were raped while being held in Gaza, and those currently held captive are still facing such abuse.
In selecting Prof. Halperin-Kaddari for an honorary degree, Brandeis University wrote,
“The university has always strived to praise exceptional people like you, who fight for the rights of those less fortunate, and who invest their skills in promoting human knowledge and understanding – among them Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Madeleine Albright and Golda Meir. Given our history and values, the Brandeis community will no doubt be thrilled to witness you being honored for the far-reaching impact of your work in the fight against violence and discrimination against women. We believe that you have given, and will continue to give, inspiration to entire generations of the intellectually curious, in their pursuit of their ambitions, and in promoting positive change wherever it is needed.”
Prof. Michal Alberstein, Dean of Bar-Ilan’s Faculty of Law said.
““In recent months and throughout her academic career, Prof. Halperin-Kaddari has dedicated her entire being to the advancement of women’s rights. This is a significant and noteworthy international gesture and recognition of the importance of the war for the release of the hostages being held in Gaza, and the atrocities and gender-based crimes committed on the seventh of October. It is recognition of her leadership over the years to advance women’s rights, who in recent months has reached new and very difficult heights in her activities at the United Nations and in many international and local centers of advocacy and influence. I have no words to describe my appreciation and excitement for this recognition. Ruth acted with courage and heroism while dealing with indescribable emotions in furthering the cries of women in general and in relation to recent events in particular. This is a ray of light of recognition and hope.”
