PKI’s Commitment to Combating Gender Violence in Israel

November 25th marks the beginning of the global campaign for 16 days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. Over the years, Project Kesher Israel (PKI) has intensified its efforts to address the growing crisis of gender violence. Through comprehensive educational sessions, PKI reached over 5,000 women via in-person events, Zoom and recorded programs. These sessions covered critical topics, including domestic violence, workplace harassment, medical discrimination, public safety, challenges in citizenship processes and issues affecting the LGBTQ community. Participants benefited from insights shared by a diverse panel of experts—lawyers, psychologists, trauma specialists, rabbis and social workers.

The urgency of this work is underscored by alarming statistics from Israel’s Bureau of Statistics. Though a majority of data for 2024 is not yet available, the Times of Israel reported that domestic violence rates have nearly doubled since Oct. 7, a byproduct of the war. Earlier data also indicates an upward trend, with the Israel Observatory on Femicide recording that 551,000 women experienced gender violence in 2023, a stark increase from 474,000 in 2022, with only 32% reporting incidents to the police.

PKI also provided direct support to over 100 women and children facing severe domestic violence, offering emotional support through private calls and group sessions and helping them navigate interactions with the police and other institutions. As the prevalence of gender violence grows, PKI remains steadfast in its mission to educate, support and advocate for women across Israel, working to create safer communities and a more just society.