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Self-defense class aims to empower J'lem students
Workshop to help female Hebrew University students fight back against sexual harassment
The Im Tirtzu movement will launch this weekend a self-defense workshop for female Hebrew University students, aiming to help the young women fight back against sexual harassment, which has become commonplace near the Mount Scopus campus of the Jerusalem-based school.
The movement also intends to arm thousands of students with whistles that are meant to deter would-be attackers.
According to Im Tirtzu, frequent cases of harassment, indecent acts and even assualt targeting students and Jewish women have been reported near the Mount Scopus campus and the vicinity in recent years.
In response, the student union has distributed tear gas canisters, protests and Knesset discussions have beenheld and repeated complaints have been filed with the police and the university's security services. The class, titled "Self-Defense and Women's Empowerment," is Im Tirtzu's answer to the disturbing trend.
The group has received all the necessary permits to hold the class, which will be taught by Jill Shames, a self-defense instructor who has a black belt in karate. The workshop is for women only.
"While I have never been sexually harassed, I know students who have," said Shiri, a student who has signed up for the workshop. "I think this workshop will help."
