JWI Statement on the Bodies of Israeli Hostages Found in Gaza
Image courtesy of IDF
From Jewish Women International on May 17th, 2024:
JWI is devastated to learn of the death of three Israeli hostages: Amit Buskila, 28, Itzhak Gelerenter, 53, and Shani Louk, 22, whose bodies were recovered by the IDF.
The image of Louk, lying half naked in the back of a pickup truck while a terrorist rests his legs on her exposed body, surrounded by half a dozen armed men, shocked the world. And it is that image — and what it represents — that motivates the work we do today.
Nissim Louk, Shani’s father, told Ynet News that the photo documenting her capture and horrific treatment “one of the most important photos in the last 50 years.”
We will never know the full story of what happened to Shani, to Amit and Itzik, or to any of those who were killed on Oct. 7. But we will never stop fighting to bring those who terrorized them to account and bring justice to their families.
Every day that the hostages remain in Gaza, they remain at risk of death, torture, and sexual violence. Today’s news reminds us of the urgency of bringing them back, and of our work to hold the perpetrators of Oct. 7 accountable.
JWI remains committed to supporting all Israeli women, to standing with the hostages and their families, and to honoring all of those who were killed by terrorists on and after Oct. 7.
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Jewish Women International (JWI) is the leading Jewish organization working to end violence against women and girls domestically and internationally. JWI's National Center on Domestic & Sexual Violence in the Jewish Community is the hub of resources, trainings, and research to support the field. It convenes The Collaborative, the network of all Jewish domestic violence agencies in the U.S. and established and hosts the Interfaith Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence and the Clergy Task Force to End Domestic Abuse in the Jewish Community. A Steering Committee member of the National Task Force to End Sexual and Domestic Violence, JWI’s advocacy efforts focus on the passage of legislation that supports women and girls, ensures their economic security, and protects their right to live free of violence.