Freed hostage Ilana Gritzewsky denounces UN denial of Oct. 7 sexual violence

Freed hostage Ilana Gritzewsky was scheduled to speak on Monday at the 62nd session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, but a prior debate ran long and she had to return to her hotel and wait another day. On Tuesday, she testified before the council while facing Special Rapporteur Reem Alsalem, who has said there is no conclusive evidence of Hamas sexual violence against Israeli women on October 7.

In her first interview since her partner, fellow former hostage Matan Zangauker, was released, Gritzewsky told ynet about the strain of speaking at the UN and about life after captivity. She said she was left shaking after the speech. “It is hard to look into the eyes of someone who denies all the crimes of October 7, all the sexual harassment,” she said. “This woman is supposed to protect all women in the world.”

Gritzewsky said she was determined to keep speaking out for women who were sexually abused and for victims who can no longer testify. “I will go anywhere in the world if needed,” she said, adding that she would keep confronting deniers and “tell them the truth in their face.” She also said Israeli soldiers fight so that Israelis can keep standing and speaking.

Before the appearance, she said the event was emotionally difficult and admitted she was “in stress” because reopening the trauma is painful. She explained that she had been focused on bringing everyone home while Zangauker was still captive, but now she wants privacy and healing. “Finally I have time to focus on my recovery,” she said, describing her goal of rebuilding her life, dealing with fear and anxiety, and eventually marrying, having children, and building “a Jewish home in Israel.”