The sexual violence, highlighted by this new 60 minute documentary by Sheryl Sandberg, is something pro-Hamas supporters simply can’t explain away. As hard as it is I urge people to watch and share this hauntingly (and very respectfully) made testimony to those sexually attacked on and after 7th October.

This documentary perhaps most clearly highlights the absolute scale and pre-meditation of the sexual violence. It was not a side show, it was a core part of the attack – designed to maximize the impact of the event.

If I could get out of my echo chamber and talk to the students and protesters chanting pro-Hamas and Anti-Israel slogans, I would urge them to watch this and try for one honest reflective minute to ask themselves how they can ally themselves with such a movement as Hamas. I know there are those who will insist that this is fake news – but deep down I think anyone watching this film and examining the UN report and other testimony would not be able to really deny it.

I am an avowed Israel advocate who sees this act as one which shines a light on the nature of those who perpetrated the crimes. Even if I try to leave this aside which I admit I can’t easily do, as a father of two daughters, I truly believe that this crime must be opposed by all who respect basic fundamental human rights.

As reported in the Wall Street Journal, ‘Sandberg said she thinks the polarizing nature of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has led too many people to shy away from condemning the way Hamas used sexual violence as a tool of war. “No matter what else you believe about the tragedy of lives lost in Gaza, no matter what else you believe, we have to believe that rape is wrong,” said Sandberg.’

To Sheryl Sandberg – you have done truly a great thing for the victims and to help the world understand that this can’t become something evenly approaching denied and worse tolerated no matter your religion or political affiliation or the college you attend.

To the women who took part in the documentary – I have the highest of respect for your self sacrifice in coming forward and sharing your experience.

For me, this highlights the importance and critical need for end the capability of Hamas to ever repeat this, for the world to stand up and say this is not acceptable now or ever no matter what the circumstances and for the captives – still living with daily threats of sexual abuse – to be released NOW.