Gender-Based Violence

WRJ monitors and addresses sexual harassment and assault, domestic violence, date rape and campus violence, spousal and child abuse, trafficking, and the use of firearms when committing acts of domestic violence.

Since October 7, 2023, WRJ has taken particular focus on the sexual and gender-based violence caused by Hamas terrorists in Israel, and that continues as the war persists. WRJ has been particularly vocal on how sexual violence has been used as a weapon of war.

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In addition, WRJ marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month every October and raises awareness about the pervasive nature of domestic violence and intimate partner violence, provides resources to those currently experiencing abuse, and addresses the moral imperative to work to eradicate domestic violence.

In April of 2022, during Sexual Assault Awareness Month, WRJ announced a campaign called WRJ Says STOP: An Initiative to Stop Sexual Harassment and Assault. The campaign includes resources on accountability, educational backgrounders, and replicable programs to do in your community on on your own.

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Gender-based Violence

What's New

Social Justice Conference: Sign Up to Make a Difference

December 13, 2024

What defines a winner? In a democracy, is it who gets the most votes on Election Day, or something else? What do you do if the winning candidates are not supportive of the issues you hold near and dear? I am constantly tackling this question as a co-chair, along with Jane Taves, of the Rabbi Marla J

Gun Violence Prevention: We Must Take Action

July 16, 2024

The issue of gun violence became personal for me on July 4, 2022. On that day, this national crisis seized upon the quiet suburb where I grew up—about eight miles from where I currently live. During the Independence Day Parade on Central Street in downtown Highland Park, Illinois, a sniper stood on

Photo of Women of Reform Judaism Executive Director Rabbi Liz P.G. Hirsch poses with Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism Ambassador Deborah Lipstadt

At the White House, A Call To Not Be Silent

June 18, 2024

This Monday, I was honored to attend a convening on conflict-related sexual violence to mark the annual International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict.

Press Releases

Reform Women Condemn Trump Assault on Education Department

March 20, 2025

NEW YORK — In response to President Trump’s executive order to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education, Rabbi Liz P.G. Hirsch, CEO of Women of Reform Judaism, released the following statement strongly condemning this misuse of presidential authority to subvert the education system in this country: “The Department of Education serves as the sole federal body that makes the interests of students

Women of Reform Judaism Mourns Murdered Hostages, Demands Immediate Release of Those Still in Captivity

February 20, 2025

New York, NY - Following the return of four slain hostages from Hamas captivity after over 500 days in Gaza, Rabbi Liz P.G. Hirsch, CEO of Women of Reform Judaism, released the following statement: "Women of Reform Judaism embraces the extended Lifshitz and Bibas families on the return of Oded, Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir for over 500 days since their violent capture. "Every day since the attack on

Reform Jewish Women Bestow Highest Honor To Dr. Cochav Elkayam-Levy

January 27, 2025

NEW YORK — Women of Reform Judaism (WRJ), the feminist affiliate of the largest Jewish denomination in North America, will award the organization’s highest honor, the Dr. Jane Evans “Pursuit of Justice” Award, to Dr. Cochav Elkayam-Levy in recognition of her commitment to international human rights and the elimination of discrimination against women and gender-based violence, especially since the