In recent months, we’ve learned of multiple, especially cruel cases of sexual violence in Israel, often involving minors.
Earlier this month, ELEM initiated a “Comfort Space” in Jerusalem. A place where victims and allies could meet, share stories, listen, or just sit in silence, strengthened by each other’s presence.
The space was open for five days, and about 500 victims and allies stopped by. Sometimes they sat in groups of 10 people, sometimes that number went all the way up to 50.
“It was hard for me before I got here,” said one of the women, “and it’ll be hard for me once I leave. But at least we sat here together, dealing with this, here and now.”
And a shout out to our volunteers and their spirit:
Approximately 150 of our volunteers held shifts at the space (many more asked to volunteer but we’ve reached full capacity.
