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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Social Justice Conference: Sign Up to Make a Difference

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
Chicago GVP

Gun Violence Prevention: We Must Take Action

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
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Press Releases

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

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

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

One Year Since Attack, Reform Jewish Women Continue Support of Survivors, Victims of Sexual Violence in Hamas Attacks, Call For Return of Hostages

NEW YORK — As the world marks one year since the murder of 1,200 Israelis by Hamas terrorists, the largest attack on Jews since the Holocaust, Rabbi Liz P.G. Hirsch, CEO of Women of Reform Judaism, released the following statement: “Since the earliest days following Hamas’s terrorist attack on Israel, Women of Reform Judaism has spoken out against the weaponization of violence against women

Resolutions and Statements

2024: WRJ Executive Committee: We Will Never Be Silent

2024: Reform Jewish Women Lead Unprecedented Solidarity Mission to Israel 

2024: The Moment We Are In, The Future We Pray For

2024: Reform Movement Responds to International Court of Justice Ruling on Israel-Hamas War

2024: North American Reform Jewish Movement Renews Call for Release of Hostages Held by Hamas

2024: Reform Jewish Women Praise Resolution Condemning Sexual Violence Committed by Hamas

2023: Reform Leaders Respond to Hamas Terrorist Attacks in Israel

2023: Reform Jewish Women Condemn Kidnappings, Other Crimes of War, Targeting Women, Children, and the Elderly by Hamas

2022: WRJ Commends the Reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act

2022: WRJ Calls for Proper Ethics Policies & Procedures in Response to the Reform Movement Investigation into Sexual Harassment Abuse, and Misconduct in Reform Institutions

2021: Addressing a Legacy of Reproductive & Gender-Based Violence Against Black, Indigenous, and Women of Color in North America

2017: Sexual Violence in Schools

2000: Rights of Women and Girl Children Worldwide

1997: Child Abuse in the Home 

1996: Female Genital Mutilation

1993: Equality for Women

1991: Ratification of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women 

1991: Crimes Against Women 

1983: Children and the Family

1975: Rights of Individuals

2015: Women's History Month, Paycheck Fairness Act, Channel Passion into Action

2014: Board Statements: Nigerian Girls Kidnapping, Hobby Lobby

2013: Immigration Reform Call-In Day, Vandalism Against Women of the Wall

2013: VAWA, Fair Pay, and Women in Combat

2013: Violence Against Women Act, NDAA, Roe v. Wade Anniversary

2012: End Violence Against Women, Living Wage, Rights of the Disabled

2012: Support Israel from Home, Montreal's First Jewish Mayor, Native American Women

2012: Fighting Domestic Violence, Deficit Reduction, Canadian MP on Jewish Refugees

2012: Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Food Day, RAC Webinar

2012: Family Planning, Reproductive Rights for Servicewomen, VAWA

2012: Supreme Court Critical Rulings, VAWA, One Minute Campaign in Memory of Murdered Israeli Athletes

2012: VAWA Reauthorization Continued, Anat Hoffman Will Appear on Amanpour

2012: VAWA Reauthorization, Or Ami Awards Continued

2010: CEDAW Hearing, Canadian Prime Minister Speaks Out Against Anti-Semitism, Outreach Question

2010: Take Action on Domestic Violence, Violence Against Women Globally

2010: Restoring Dignity for Women, Support the International Violence Against Women Act