2025 - Echoes of Denial - FactSheet
The October 7th Atrocities and Rising Antisemitism
The October 7th attacks against Israelis were a horrific act of violence that left deep scars on the Jewish community worldwide. However, as the reality of these atrocities is denied or downplayed, antisemitic incidents have surged globally. The correlation between denialism and rising antisemitism is highlighted by presenting compelling data and advocating for legislation and resolutions that prohibit the denial of such events to protect against hate and ensure justice for the victims. Enacting such laws is vital not only for addressing current injustices but also for guaranteeing the non-recurrence of such hatred and violence in the future. Download factsheet here.
Download
From Media Consumer to Content Creator
Ben Solomon reflects on his transformative journey as an intern at JIJ, where he tackled Israel's biggest challenges—Hamas, Hezbollah, Iran, and lawfare—through reading, debating, and writing. Dive into his story and discover the building blocks of effective Israel advocacy
My most rewarding experience at JIJ was producing and recording a series of 15-minute lectures on the central challenges facing Israel (Hamas, Hezbollah, Iran, and lawfare). Before coming to JIJ, I considered myself an informed consumer of media about Israel. Creating content, however, is much harder than consuming it. As I went about producing material of my own, I realized how little I had previously known about the threats facing Israel and the realities of the Middle East.
How did I go about overcoming this knowledge deficit to produce original content for viewers in Israel and the Diaspora? By reading, by debating, and by writing.
Read
Israel has a vibrant and diverse English-language press. Almost every day, I would spend time reading live blogs in the Times of Israel and current affairs in the Jerusalem Post. To expose myself to different perspectives, I viewed op-eds in Israel Hayom and Ynetnews. The perspectives which I saw in these outlets made me appreciate the thought processes driving Israel’s decision making.
Beyond news articles, my understanding of Israel improved tremendously from reading books. For modern Israeli history, I recommend reading Yossi Klein Halevi, Michael Oren, and Daniel Gordis. All three have written highly accessible books which deal with Israel’s achievements in war and in peace. Historical background makes it much easier to understand Israel’s contemporary dilemmas.
Besides books, I advise digging into the treasure trove of audiovisual resources available online. To understand events from decades ago, I would watch old documentaries and political speeches. For up-to-date analyses of events, I turned to podcasters like Dan Senor and Ezra Klein. The content is accessible – you just need to seek it out.
Debate
Once I read a lot about Israel, I started to form my own opinions about difficult topics, such as the breakdown of peace negotiations, international hostility toward Israel, and strategies for confronting Iran. The best way for me to test these opinions was by defending them against competing viewpoints. I regularly entered Uri’s office ( JIJ's director of International Law and Policy) in the middle of the day, where I could spend 30 minutes or more trying to make sense of current affairs. The office space at JIJ is very open, without the hierarchical separations of an American workspace.
These discussions also took place outside the confines of the office. I loved arguing with Israeli friends and family to see whether my emerging views could withstand other people’s ingrained opinions. When I travelled outside Tel Aviv for Shabbats or excursions, I tried to learn as much as possible about the dividing lines within Israeli society.
As I talked to more and more people about Israel, I found myself enthralled by the diversity of opinions within the country. Israel is certainly not the caricature of “apartheid” and “genocide” presented on college campuses and at the United Nations. But nor is it a straightforward or homogenous society. It is, instead, the melting pot of an ancient people, unified in its desire for the blessings of peace, but divided over how to achieve that end.
Write
During my first month at JIJ, I remember being nervous to commit my ideas to writing. I had already read several books and spent plenty of time exposing myself to the viewpoints of other people. But at the same time, I was reluctant to take the leap from being a consumer to a producer of information.
The way that I overcame this writer’s block was by introducing frameworks for content delivery: the “Five Pillars of Hamas” or the “Seven Front War.” Once I had established these frameworks, I could fill them with material to support an overall argument. Sub-dividing lectures into different chapters made it much easier to package them for social media.
One of the real challenges of writing about Israel is making it accessible for a non-specialist audience. It is easy to get caught in the weeds of international law, such as the details of past United Nations resolutions or jurisdictional questions at the International Criminal Court. While I enjoyed trying to grapple with these technicalities, I focused my public outreach on presenting a bigger picture viewpoint of Israel’s predicament.
The final challenge of the lecture series was turning long scripts into interesting videos. Given my lack of confidence with the teleprompter, I decided to commit the scripts to memory. I found memorization to be a challenging but highly worthwhile exercise; it pushed me to see the value in every sentence and to clarify the connections between them.
Conclusion
As I look back on the last five months, I am grateful to have contributed to JIJ’s mission of international advocacy for the Jewish state. I feel equipped with the tools to effectively advocate for Israel back home.
In reflecting on my own contribution to JIJ, I would add this: the internship is what you make of it. You will make the most meaningful contribution by working on projects which reflect your skill set and interests. In my case, I was naturally drawn to a project which enabled me to lecture about geopolitics. But JIJ is not a one-size-fits-all model; the internship is flexible enough to accommodate your personal strengths.
Whatever projects you end up working on, I believe that the three fundamentals of reading, debating, and writing will be applicable. These are the indispensable building blocks of Israel advocacy.
Iran’s Proxies and Their Seven Fronts Against Israel
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6Vmiq_VHg0
Did you know Iran is waging a multi-front war against Israel through its network of proxies? From Hezbollah in Lebanon to Hamas in Gaza, and beyond, these seven fronts pose constant threats to Israel’s security and stability.
In our latest JIJ & GDC Israel Virtual Classroom Series, we unpack each front, revealing how Iran’s strategy works—and how Israel is responding. 💡🛡️
Don’t miss this essential breakdown of the threats facing Israel today. Follow us for updates and insights!
JIJ's Statement on The ICC Ruling
JIJ's Statement on The ICC Ruling to Issue of Arrest Warrant Against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Galant
The Jerusalem Institute for Justice vehemently condemns the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) ruling to issue arrest warrants against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Galant. This ruling is a purely political decision that not only flagrantly violates legal and moral standards but also shamefully capitulates to the pressures of anti-Israeli factions.
The ICC, established to protect genuine victims and hold accountable leaders responsible for the gravest crimes, has, for the first time in its history, chosen to target a democratic nation with a robust, independent judiciary fully dedicated to upholding the principles and rules of international law. This is a deplorable and calculated attempt to undermine the State of Israel and the IDF as they take decisive actions to defend the very existence of the world’s only Jewish state against an attempt to eradicate it. These efforts come in response to the most extensively documented barbaric massacre of modern times, orchestrated by Hamas and other terror groups.
We are deeply disappointed by the court’s decision to dismiss JIJ’s arguments, as outlined in our recently submitted legal observation. The court has chosen to disregard our strong legal arguments and overreach by asserting jurisdiction it does not possess. In doing so, it has acted in violation of the binding agreement between the parties to this ruling, wrongly recognized Palestine as a state despite its failure to meet the established threshold conditions, and blatantly ignored the existence of a robust, independent judicial system within a democratic state. Even more troubling, the court has created a false moral equivalence between the leaders of a democratic state and the arch-terrorists of Hamas. To further undermine its credibility, the court also decided to issue an arrest warrant against the dead terror mastermind, Mohammed Deif.
This ruling targets our leaders in the immediate term, but the repercussions are far more profound and far-reaching. It delivers a severe blow to the court's integrity, inflicting irreparable harm on public trust and the very concept of international justice. What should serve as a safeguard against atrocities has been twisted into a political weapon wielded against moral, law-abiding nations. The Jerusalem Institute for Justice urgently calls on the international community to stand against this outrageous ruling. Only by taking a firm stand can we begin to restore faith in the mechanisms of international accountability and uphold the principles of true justice.
A Year of Resilience
The Cat Who Lost His 9th Life
An End to Mohammed Deif’s Reign of Terror
Mohammed Diab Ibrahim al-Masri, more commonly known as Mohammed Deif, was a Hamas terrorist who is credited for being the mastermind behind the October 7th Hamas terrorist attacks. Deif is a figure synonymous with terror and violence and served as the leader of the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades (IQB) which is the military wing of Hamas. Deif orchestrated numerous attacks against Israel, leaving a trail of destruction and loss in his wake.
Deif's tenure as the head of the al-Qassam Brigades, which began in 2002, was characterized by a series of deadly attacks. Even prior to gaining this position, Deif masterminded several suicide bombings in 1996 that killed over 50 Israelis civilians. Since his reign of terror began, he was instrumental in developing Hamas' capabilities, including rocket attacks and tunnel warfare. His strategies took the brutal, inhumane, and despicable atrocities being committed by Hamas to an even more dangerous level.
Deif's ability to evade capture and assassination earned him the nickname "the cat with nine lives." Since 1995, he had been the top target on Israel's most wanted list, surviving at least seven targeted killing attempts. Despite sustaining severe injuries, including the loss of an eye, Deif evaded death and continued to lead Hamas' military operations from the shadows.
In recent developments, there were allegations that Mohammed Deif may have been killed in an Israeli airstrike. On July 12th, 2024, Israeli fighter jets targeted a compound in the Al-Mawasi/Khan Younis area which was believed to be housing Deif and other high-ranking Hamas officials. While Israeli authorities had indicated "increasing signs" that Deif was killed in the operation, Hamas denied the claims and there was no definitive proof. Just over a week later, the IDF confirmed on July 21st that Deif was in fact killed in the attack.
Deif's actions did not go unnoticed on the international stage. Prior to his death, he had been designated a Specially Designated Global Terrorist by the U.S. Department of State and added to the European Union's terrorist blacklist. In May 2024, the International Criminal Court (ICC) applied for arrest warrants for Deif and other Hamas leaders, citing charges of extermination, murder, and other war crimes.
Mohammed Deif's legacy is one of relentless violence and strategic terrorism. His actions caused immense suffering and have perpetuated the cycle of violence in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The unfortunate reality of the situation is that Deif’s death simply means he will be replaced by another terrorist as hateful and dangerous as him. As long as figures like Deif remain in positions of power, the prospects for peace in the region remain bleak. His story is a stark reminder of the devastating impact of Hamas’s heinous and barbaric crimes. The ongoing struggle for stability and security in the Middle East will only continue without a unified front opposing terrorism and extremism.
By Kevin Bina – JIJ Intern
to read the Article with the Foot-Notes
Op-ed Mohammaed Deif
ECHOES OF DENIAL - OCT. 7TH ATROCITIES & RISING ANTISEMITISM- Report
The October 7, 2023, atrocities committed by Hamas against Israeli civilians were among the most documented terror attacks in history. Despite overwhelming evidence, including livestreamed videos and numerous survivor testimonies, a disturbing p.attern of distortion and denial of these events has emerged. This report examines the denial of the October 7 atrocities, links such denial to rising antisemitism, and reviews the current legal frameworks addressing atrocity denial. It also discusses the necessity and promotes the adoption of new legislation against such denial and provides recommendations for international cooperation to combat this dangerous phenomenon
Israel's Humanitarian Aid Efforts in Gaza: Addressing Allegations of Starvation as a Method of War
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has sparked intense international scrutiny, with serious allegations leveled against Israel regarding its treatment of Palestinian civilians. Among the most grave accusations are claims that Israel is deliberately using starvation as a weapon of war. This article aims to examine these allegations in light of Israel's documented humanitarian aid efforts and the complex realities on the ground in Gaza, providing a comprehensive analysis of the current situation and its historical context. The gravity of the allegations has drawn attention from international legal bodies. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) as well as the International Criminal Court (ICC) have consistently placed Israel under unfair scrutiny for a starvation crisis that does not exist.
In its provisional measures order, the ICJ highlighted the severe humanitarian situation in Gaza and the potential for irreparable harm due to lack of access to essential resources. The court stated:
"The catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip is at serious risk of deteriorating further. In view of the fundamental values sought to be protected by the Genocide Convention, the Court considers that the plausible rights in question in these proceedings, namely the right of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip to be protected from acts of genocide and related prohibited acts [under the] Convention … are of such a nature that prejudice to them is capable of causing irreparable harm".[1]
Similarly, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has expressed concern over the situation. In a statement, the ICC Prosecutor Karim A.A. Khan KC said:
"My Office is actively investigating any alleged war crimes in the region, including those related to the deprivation of essential resources such as food and water. The use of starvation of civilians as a method of warfare is a war crime in international armed conflicts".[2]
These quotes illustrate the fact that these international legal bodies have been subjecting Israel to unfair biases that are not consistent with the statistics provided below regarding Israel’s humanitarian aid deliveries and coordinations.
Since the outbreak of the conflict on October 7, 2023, Israel has been working to facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza. According to COGAT (Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories), the Israeli body responsible for coordinating aid, over 18,000 trucks carrying humanitarian aid have entered Gaza through the Rafah and Kerem Shalom crossings as of June 2024.[3] Additionally, an average of 200-250 aid trucks are entering Gaza daily.[4] The aid includes food, water, medical supplies, and other essential items.
Despite the complex security concerns and logistical challenges, Israel opened a third humanitarian aid route into northern Gaza in May 2024, known as the Western Erez crossing, aimed at increasing the flow of aid into the region.[5] This effort was part of a coordinated initiative with the U.S. government to enhance aid delivery routes to the Gaza Strip, particularly to its northern areas.
Contrary to allegations of deliberate starvation, the amount of food entering Gaza appears to be sufficient for the population. A study by Columbia University professors found that 250 truckloads of food per day is sufficient to feed the entire Gazan population of 2.2 million people.The study concluded that each Gazan was provided with approximately 3,374 kilocalories per day, while only 2,100 kilocalories are needed. This amount is almost identical to the 2.36 kg of food per day that the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization estimates the average individual consumes in North America. [6]
These figures suggest that the food supply entering Gaza is more than adequate to meet the nutritional needs of the population.
It is important to note that the situation in Gaza was already dire prior to October 7th, 2023. The region already had limited economic opportunities and access to resources. According to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), before the current conflict: Unemployment in Gaza stood at 45% (one of the highest rates in the world), 80% of the population relied on
international aid, and 90-95% of the water from the coastal aquifer was unfit for human consumption.[7] [8]
These pre-existing conditions have undoubtedly exacerbated the current humanitarian crisis, making it even more challenging to address the population's needs. Between the amount of aid that Israel has provided since October 7th and the amount of resources Gaza lacked prior to October 7th, claims that Israel is using starvation as a method of war are baseless and egregious.
Reports indicate that Hamas has been interfering with aid distribution within Gaza. According to various sources, including the United Nations:
Jordanian Aid Convoy Hijacking:
On May 2, 2024, Hamas hijacked a major humanitarian aid shipment from the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization. The aid, which had transited through Israel’s newly-opened Erez crossing, was seized by Hamas after the Jordanian military unloaded it inside Gaza. The U.S. State Department condemned the act, noting that the aid was eventually recovered by the United Nations, but the incident marked a significant case of aid diversion by Hamas.[9] [10]
Drone Footage of Aid Theft:
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) released drone footage showing Hamas operatives hijacking aid trucks, beating civilians, and transporting the stolen supplies to a Hamas stronghold. The footage depicted men loading humanitarian supplies onto a pickup truck and using force against civilians. This visual evidence highlighted the systematic nature of Hamas's interference with aid distribution.[11]
General Reports of Aid Diversion:
According to various reports, including those from the United Nations, Hamas has been consistently hijacking aid trucks entering Gaza. These reports indicate that Hamas militants often divert supplies intended for civilians to their fighters or sell them on the black market. This practice has been a significant obstacle to effective aid distribution within Gaza.[12]
The types of aid being stolen reportedly include: food supplies, medical equipment and medicines, fuel (which is critical for powering hospitals and water desalination plants), and building materials. This interference significantly complicates the humanitarian situation, making it more difficult to ensure aid reaches those most in need.
Not only do the aforementioned findings indicate that Israel is actively trying to provide sufficient humanitarian aid to Gaza, recent reports from the Famine Review Committee (FRC) of The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) state that the available evidence does not support the notion that there is a famine in Gaza. The IPC is a multi-partner initiative that works to classify the severity and magnitude of food insecurity and malnutrition across the globe. The IPC is used by governments, UN agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders to inform decision-making for better food security policy and programming. In March, 2024, the FRC reported that “Famine is now projected and imminent in the North Gaza and Gaza Governorates and is expected to become manifest during the projection period from mid-March 2024 to May 2024.”[13] This report was used in the ICJ’s statement in March telling Israel to improve humanitarian aid into Gaza.[14] However, the FRC has now stated in their June report that “the available evidence does not indicate that famine is currently occurring.”[15] Following this update from the FRC, Arif Husain, the chief economist at the UN World Food Programme, commented on the situation in a press briefing. Husain stated that there is a lack of reliable and supported evidence to confirm the sentiment that Israel is intentionally starving Palestinians. He stated there are currently no proven statistics pertaining to deaths by starvation in Gaza and added “It's not even a matter of being available. I don't think that they are even collected."[16] This exemplifies the fact that misinformation about Israel is rampant. Israel has remained committed to providing Gaza civilians humanitarian aid and yet cannot escape the false allegations of causing a genocide through the utilization of starvation as a method of warfare.
While the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains challenging, the data on aid deliveries and food supplies facilitated by Israel contradicts allegations of deliberate starvation or the use of hunger as a weapon of war. The evidence suggests that Israel is making significant efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to Gaza's civilian population, despite the ongoing conflict.
The complexities of aid distribution within Gaza, including the reported interference by Hamas, highlight the need for a more nuanced understanding of the situation. As the conflict continues, it is crucial for all parties to prioritize the protection of civilians and ensure that humanitarian aid reaches those in need efficiently and effectively.
This article was written by Kevin Bina, a rising senior at the University of Pennsylvania studying Philosophy, Politics, and Economics. Bina is currently serving as an International Law and Diplomacy Intern at The Jerusalem institute of Justice
Read the full Article with the Foot-notes:
https://jij.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Article-Israels-Humanitarian-Aid-Efforts-in-Gaza-1.pdf
Echoes of Denial - FactSheet
The October 7th Atrocities and Rising Antisemitism
The October 7th attacks against Israelis were a horrific act of violence that left deep scars on the Jewish community worldwide. However, as the reality of these atrocities is denied or downplayed, antisemitic incidents have surged globally. The correlation between denialism and rising antisemitism is highlighted by presenting compelling data and advocating for legislation and resolutions that prohibit the denial of such events to protect against hate and ensure justice for the victims. Enacting such laws is vital not only for addressing current injustices but also for guaranteeing the non-recurrence of such hatred and violence in the future. Download factsheet here.
Survivors Seeking Justice
In the afthermath of the harrowing events on October 7, the Jerusalem Institute of Justice stands at the forefront of a campaign to seek justice for the survivors and to hold the perpetrators of that day's heniouse acts accountable. Here are the facts.
