Dr. Cochav Elkayam-Levy
Dr. Cochav Elkayam-Levy is the founder and chair of the Civil Commission on October 7th Crimes by Hamas against Women and Children and the Dvora Institute for Gender and Sustainability Studies. Her work has garnered significant recognition both in Israel and internationally. As a legal scholar and human rights advocate, Dr. Elkayam-Levy has made substantial contributions to gender equality and human rights in Israel. She was the principal author of the National Report on Gender Mainstreaming in Times of Emergencies, which was adopted by the Israeli government in a historical decision in June 2022.
Since October 7th, Dr. Elkayam-Levy has been dedicated to raising awareness about the crimes committed against women and children by Hamas. The Civil Commission she established has led a global campaign for the recognition of gender-based violence and other atrocities of October 7th. The Commission is building an archive to document these crimes, giving a voice to the victims and raising awareness of war crimes committed against women, children and families. For this work, she was awarded the prestigious 2024 Israel Prize, Israel’s highest civilian honor, in the field of Solidarity (Arvut Hadadit).
Soon after the atrocities occurred, Dr. Elkayam-Levy was invited to meet with the senior White House staff on gender policy, resulting in a historic statement of recognition and support for the victims of October 7th. Dr. Elkayam-Levy was an honorary guest of the French delegation to the UN at the 2024 Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), where she focused on raising awareness about the sexual atrocities that occurred on October 7th. She was also involved in Sheryl Sandberg's documentary "Screams Before Silence," which further highlights these critical issues. Dr. Elkayam-Levy is committed to amplifying the voices of those who have been permanently silenced. She has dedicated herself to raising global awareness of the atrocities committed by Hamas, speaking tirelessly in numerous interviews, reaching millions across a wide international audience, and leading efforts for global action and recognition. A key initiative of the Civil Commission is the establishment of an archive dedicated to documenting the experiences and testimonies of victims affected by the violence and sexual abuse of October 7th. This archive will serve as a vital resource for research, education, and advocacy, ensuring that the stories of those impacted are preserved, recognized, and remembered for generations to come.
In 2022, Dr. Elkayam-Levy was recognized as one of Israel’s most promising young leaders under 40 by The Marker (Haaretz), highlighting her significant contributions to law, human rights, and gender equality. In 2024, she was awarded the prestigious Medal of Distinction by the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation. Dr. Elkayam Levy was also recognized in 2024 by leading media platforms such as Yediot Aharonot, which named her one of Israel’s most influential women, and Israel Today for her extraordinary contributions. Additionally, she recently received a certificate of honor from the British Embassy in Israel for her exceptional and inspiring leadership, particularly in advocating for victims of sexual violence and war crimes.