Law professor claims Israel’s response to Hamas’ assault on Jewish women is the main issue
Assistant professor Heidi Matthews Criticizes Israel’s Response to Hamas
Assistant professor Heidi Matthews from York University’s Osgoode Law School expressed her concern on Wednesday about the use of rape and sexual violence by Hamas terrorists against Israeli women. However, she also criticized Israel for using these atrocities as a “justification” for engaging in a “prolonged war” against Hamas.
Is wartime sexual violence a horrific crime? YES, with no mistake. But sex exceptionalism is also traditionally used to whip up support for entire military campaigns — we see Israel and the U.S. doing this now to justify a prolonged disproportionate air and ground war.
— Heidi Matthews (@Heidi__Matthews) December 5, 2023
Matthews further explained her position, arguing that society tends to view violent crimes against women, especially those of a sexual nature, as more reprehensible than other violent crimes. She claimed that governments exploit this outrage to garner support for brutal military campaigns against the perpetrators.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE DAILYWIRE+ APP
She stated, “Sex exceptionalism underwrites the idea that sexual violence crimes are worse than others, and therefore justify harsher retaliation (here, via war). This goes back to the essentialist idea that rape is a fate worse than death. None of this is new,” she said.
One critic responded, “Between pretending the rape of Israeli women didn’t happen/is justified and being totally cool with mentally ill men invading women’s spaces/stealing their opportunities for athletic accomplishment, ‘feminism’ is proving itself to be a literal joke. You ladies are embarrassing.”
Between pretending the rape of Israeli women didn’t happen/is justified and being totally cool with mentally ill men invading women’s spaces/stealing their opportunities for athletic accomplishment, “feminism” is proving itself to be a literal joke. You ladies are embarrassing. https://t.co/2T8N9jHxnQ
— CCP IS ASSHOE (@CCPISASSH0E) December 6, 2023
Matthews continued to defend her position, asserting that the Israeli government, driven by a desire for war, was exploiting the rape of Israeli women by Hamas terrorists to generate outrage and gain support for their actions.
She replied to one critic, stating, “I can think of little more disrespectful of the women victims and survivors of sexual violence than the hawkish manipulation of their victimization for the purposes of supporting this horrific war.”
She also emphasized the importance of discussing the role of sex exceptionalism in military imperialism, saying, “It is irresponsible not to.”
When Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly criticized international women’s rights organizations for their failure to speak up when Jewish women were victims of rape and sexual violence, Matthews saw it as confirmation of her argument.
Israeli actress Gal Gadot also voiced her opinion, declaring, “The world has failed the women of October 7th.”
What is Assistant Professor Heidi Matthews’ opinion on using sexual violence as a justification for Israel’s response to Hamas?
?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>tweeted on December 5, 2023. “It’s deeply rooted in patriarchy and the gendered social construction of war.” Matthews believes that the use of sexual violence by Hamas should not be used to justify Israel’s response, as this perpetuates a cycle of violence and further harm to innocent civilians.
Matthews also addressed the issue of proportionality in Israel’s response to Hamas. She argued that the Israeli government is using the crimes committed by Hamas as a pretext for a ”disproportionate” and “prolonged” war. She criticized both Israel and the United States for employing “sex exceptionalism” to rally support for their military campaigns.
However, Matthews’ comments have sparked controversy and backlash, with many accusing her of being insensitive and downplaying the severity of Hamas’s actions. Critics argue that her statements fail to acknowledge the unique challenges and threats faced by Israelis, particularly women, who are targeted by Hamas’s acts of terror.
It is important to note that the issue of sexual violence in conflict zones is a grave concern and should be addressed by the international community. The use of rape and sexual violence as a weapon of war is a violation of human rights and should never be justified or ignored. At the same time, it is essential to approach this issue with sensitivity and empathy, understanding the complexities and nuances involved in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
In conclusion, Assistant Professor Heidi Matthews has criticized Israel’s response to Hamas, arguing that the use of rape and sexual violence should not be used to justify a prolonged and disproportionate war. While she raises valid concerns about the exploitation of sexual violence to rally support for military campaigns, her comments have sparked controversy and drawn criticism. It is crucial to address the issue of sexual violence in conflict zones while also recognizing and understanding the unique challenges faced by Israelis in this ongoing conflict.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
