Dr. Cochav Elkayam Levy, a Sophie Davis Post-Doctoral Fellow in the Leonard Davis Institute Program on Gender, Conflict Resolution and Peace at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem awarded the Israel Prize in the field of Solidarity (Arvut Hadadit) for her tireless work to raise awareness and acknowledgement to the crimes committed by Hamas on and following October 7th against Israeli women, children, men and families. Elkayam-Levy established the “Civil Commission on October 7th Crimes by Hamas against Women and Children”, aimed at giving voice to the victims and their families and raising awareness of the concerning developments in war crimes against women, children, men and families on and after October 7th and raising support for this cause.
Dr. Cochav Elkayam-Levy: "I am humbled and grateful to receive the Israel Prize and wish to express my sincere gratitude to the award committee and the Minister of Education for bestowing upon me this esteemed honor. It is with great privilege that we work to raise awareness and give voice to the silenced victims and families whose lives were shattered by the October 7th atrocities. I am deeply thankful for the opportunity to advocate for the rights of women, children, and families worldwide. We must stand firm against the stark denial and the increasing tide of anti-Semitism. I also want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the numerous individuals who have tirelessly dedicated themselves to this vital cause alongside me. This privilege is both an honor and a responsibility that I hold with utmost dedication."
In the award committee's deliberations, it was underscored that Dr. Elkayam-Levy's unwavering commitment and dedication propelled her to take action both nationally and internationally, culminating in the establishment of a Civil Commission dedicated to promoting human rights and gender equality.
Prof. Asher Cohen, President of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem said: "The Hebrew University takes immense pride in the profound impact Dr. Cochav Elkayam-Levy has had on raising awareness and acknowledgment of the atrocities committed against Israeli women, children, men, and families on and following October 7th. Her relentless dedication has served as a powerful catalyst for justice and remembrance, inspiring us all to confront adversity with courage and compassion. We congratulate Dr. Cochav Elkayam-Levy on being awarded the Israel Prize, the State’s highest honor, in a testament to her unwavering commitment to shedding light on one of the darkest chapters of our shared humanity."
Education Minister Kish said: "Dr. Elkayam-Levy's work in the international arena to expose the atrocities of Hamas is a crucial pillar in our ongoing struggle for justice and in our efforts to confront the perpetrators. Congratulations on winning the prize, Dr. Elkayam-Levy. The people of Israel deeply value your work and extend their heartfelt gratitude to you."
Link to the Civil Commission: https://www.dvora-institute.org/cco7
Picture: Dr. Cochav Elkayam-Levy | Credit: Martine Hami