In September 2011, I started my first job in the army’s career service. I knew there would be a soldier under my command. There were fears of a young officer: Who is waiting for me? I met her for the first time I immediately understood. Adi Vital, was a small human diamond with a penetrating, smiling gaze, and sharp wisdom. I didn’t see her as a soldier but rather as a staff member, and later – simply as my friend. Nine days after the war first broke out, Irit Sternberg wrote on Facebook about her former aide and friend, Adi Vital-Kaploun, a 33-year-old resident of the southern Kibbutz Holit. Vital-Kaploun, was murdered by Hamas terrorists on October 7. Sternberg put together a group called Women United for Humanity, a spontaneous initiative that rapidly grew to include hundreds of members in Israel and worldwide. The women involved act as an interconnected mobile network, using their professional and personal experience and connections to spread information about the situation of the hostages, call for their release and promote diplomatic and social actions across the globe. Women United for Humanity also changed public opinion and made sure that the dire situation of the hostages is not forgotten. The group approached women in positions of power in the private and public sectors – from diplomats to company CEOs – and encouraged them to take action. They also created online content, such as a viral video that called for the immediate release of all 239 hostages held in the Gaza Strip. Sternberg explained that she views other women as her natural partners and those most able to be effective due to their inherent empathy. One of the major steps was an international letter listing the war crimes and crimes against humanity that Hamas has been carrying out during the war. The letter was initiated by a key member of Women United for Humanity and it was signed by almost 200 signatories, including former high court judges from across the globe. Bosmat Kolb, a choreographer and an artist, spearheaded the ‘Women United for Humanity’ campaign to get the hostages released during wartime. Danielle Gallia-Kind, also a performance artist and choreographer, urged masses to take part in the campaign to release Israeli and foreign nationals abducted by Hamas. Gallia-Kind delivered a moving speech at a rally held in Amsterdam’s Dam Square, urging the masses to identify with the cause of a kidnapped mother, Yarden. Her second speech before the European Parliament committee also garnered massive media and public attention worldwide. Gallia-Kind vowed to continue the campaign until all hostages are released. She continued to deliver speeches and meet with influential figures to sound the voice of mothers worldwide who can identify with the painful story of Yarden Roman-Gat. She vowed to continue the campaign until all hostages are released. Be a Facebook Comment! Share Share on Facebook Post on Twitter Post to LinkedIn Post to Share on Reddit Email to a Friend Share on WhatsApp
