Statement of the ISBA Standing Committee on Women and the Law Condemning Sexual Violence
On October 7, 2023, Hamas unleashed a brutal attack of terror in Israel, killing over 1,000 civilians, sexually assaulting women and girls, and kidnapping approximately 240 innocent people, many of whom remain captive at time of publication.
The Standing Committee on Women and the Law of the Illinois State Bar Association unequivocally condemns the atrocities committed by Hamas, including rape and other horrific acts of sexual violence. Similarly, we are horrified by the number of women and children killed in Gaza, many as the result of Hamas using these innocent civilians as shields.
We stand against hate in all forms and mourn the loss of life in Israel and Gaza. During this holiday season, we hope for peace and the safe return of all hostages. We also condemn all hate and intolerance towards the Jewish, Arab, and Muslim communities in America.
Hamas’s actions are violative of the War Crimes (Section 8) of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.
The abhorrent stories being released about the rape and brutalization of women and children as part of the Gaza conflict has rightfully captured the attention of many. Without minimizing these atrocities, the rape and brutalization of women and children as a tactic of war is all too common, both presently and historically. We speak out in support of all women and children around the globe who experience the same fate, including Sudan, the Congo, Iran, the Ukraine conflict, as well as many others around the globe. These horrific displays of sexual violence must be stopped and we demand peace and safety for all women and children worldwide.
This Statement is the action of the ISBA Standing Committee on Women and the Law only and does not represent the view or action of the Illinois State Bar Association.
Member Comments (6)
Thank you for standing up against the brutal Hamas’ attack of October 7. Too bad this couldn’t come sooner or from the entire ISBA rather than one committee.
Agreed- the entire ISBA, a body of lawyers who stand for the rule of law, should condemn the October 7th terrorist attack by Hamas, which was violative of International Law. I applaud the Standing Committee on Women for doing the right thing- it’s never too late to condemn hate!
Absolutely! It was disgraceful that the terrorist sexual violence on October 7th against Israeli women was ignored by the United Nations and feminist movements. It is never too late to condemn hate!
Thank you to the members of WATL for putting together a well thought out statement. The strong statement condemning rape, sexual assault, torture, kidnapping, death of women and children is the right thing to do. As said "It is never too late to condemn hate!" May the hostages be released, may war end and may peace come to all. - Perry
I commend your group for the courage it took to speak up when this organization stood by and said nor did anything. Albert Einstein said that the world not be destroyed by those who do evil but by those who watch them without doing anything. The ISBA has not spoken up about these actions or the other hate & violence that is promogated in this country Advocating violence is not protected and we don’t have to wait until it is acted upon before we condemn it
I am deeply touched by the scope and content of the several messages shared by ISBA members, via the WATL Committee (of which I am a Past President), condemning the brutal treatment of women and children by Hamas in this seemingly never-ending conflict in the Middle East. It is always horrific when those with the power use these vulnerable groups as targets, sadly just to send a warning and terrify equally vulnerable communities. It seems appropriate for us to communicate a message in support of these innocent victims, and also in support of a cease fire, which could eventually lead to some means of resolution between the warring parties.