The Rhode Island Center for Freedom & Prosperity has announced a joint effort with the RI Coalition for Israel (RICI) to promote an upcoming online event aimed at shedding light on the grim reality of sexual violence in times of war. Scheduled for this Sunday, April 7th at 2:00 PM EST the Zoom-based event titled “The Reality of Sexual Violence in War” will feature keynote addresses from two globally recognized Jewish figures, Nitsana Darshan-Leitner and Susan Seely.

“This event is not just an act of remembrance, it is a call to act against indifference and silence towards all victims of sexual violence and sexual terrorism,” write co-sponsors RICI and Hadassah RI Chapter on the registration page. “We seek to collectively acknowledge these atrocities that occurred in Israel and commemorate these victims, while also sharing local community and national organizations doing important work to positively support and impact women. All women must support all women. And all humans must stand up and speak out against sexual violence regardless of where and when it happens, and regardless of race, religion, creed, or gender. ”

Darshan-Leitner and Seely are set to delve into the harrowing aftermath of the vicious assaults perpetrated by Hamas against the people of Israel last October 7th with real images to illustrate the extent of the carnage. Alongside the keynote speakers, local organizations dedicated to strengthening women’s rights are supporting to the 90-minute forum.

“Given the many anti-Semitic and pro-Palestinian protests across the country and here in Rhode Island, it is important that the public understand the abject brutality that occurred on October 7,” commented Mike Stenhouse, CEO for the Center. “Hopefully, such knowledge will bring more balance to the debate about Israel’s need to eliminate Hamas in Gaza vs. calls for a cease-fire.”

RICI underscores the critical importance of raising awareness regarding Hamas’ appalling use of rape and sexual violence as instruments of warfare, in blatant violation of established international norms. The event, jointly presented by RICI and the RI Chapter of Hadassah, aims to dispel any doubts surrounding Hamas’ exploitation of sexual and gender-based violence as tactics of war and intimidation – a stark reality often dismissed as mere Israeli propaganda by adversaries of Israel.

The Rhode Island Center for Freedom & Prosperity, serving as the event’s promotional co-sponsor, has facilitated an in-depth interview with two RICI leaders on its widely-followed podcast, “In The Dugout with Mike Stenhouse.”

Moreover, the Center is actively leveraging its media platforms, email lists, and social media channels to heighten awareness about this crucial event.