5th annual Jerusalem SlutWalk: 'We aren't afraid'
The international protest-march movement seeks to counter rape culture and support women's rights; no disturbances took place; 'Many young women have to come here to shout their pain'
The international protest walk, intended to emphasize women's rights and to protest rape culture, was founded following a Canadian policeman's recommendation to students that they should "avoid dressing like sluts" to avoid sexual assault. This statement caused a wave of protests and similar demonstrations all over the world, and in 2012, the first SlutWalk was held. Four Israeli cities took part that year, including Jerusalem.
"This is a deliberate and conscious choice," the organizers wrote beforehand. "We are using the connotation of the word 'slut,' based entirely on chauvinistic and violent assumptions, and which is intended to control us and our behavior, clothing, and sexuality." The SlutWalk in Jerusalem ended with a ceremony and speeches on Queen Helena Street. No disturbances took place.
Noa Makhervax, 35 from Jerusalem, was one of the organizers. She stated, "The event is uplifting and gives a place of pride. There are strong women and yelling women here. Some men took part in the event as well, but the overwhelming majority was women." When asked if they were anxious holding such an event in Jerusalem, she replied that they were not: "We aren't afraid to express our opinions here. We're allowed once a year not to respect anyone. We aren't afraid because there are brave and strong women here."
Jade Raza, 27 from Jerusalem, said, "This is like the Pride Parade, but with women only. It's not my first time at the event, but I feel that it grows every year. Each time, I'm surprised anew at the young age of the youths that come to participate in such an event. On the other hand, it bothers me as a teacher that many young women have to come here to shout their pain; this is also their support group. They are young and brave, and I'm proud of them."
