The last five days have been among the most emotional of my life. I spent them in Israel where I had the honor and privilege of working with Meny Aviram (@menyav) and the team at Kastina Communications to film a new documentary, “Screams Before Silence.”
I went with survivors to the grounds of the Nova Festival and stood with them as they shared how they survived that day and their heartbreak at the friends they lost. I walked through the eucalyptus trees with real life heroes who rescued hundreds of people and recovered the bodies of those we lost. I spoke with police investigators and first responders who saw with their own eyes the murder and mutilation of innocent civilians. And I sat and cried with released hostages, listening to their harrowing stories of survival and how they found humanity and resilience in each other.
All of these people tell the story of “Screams Before Silence.” They told stories of the unspeakable sexual violence that happened to women and men, old and young, many in the very last moments of their lives. For their sake — and for humanity’s sake — we must look squarely at what happened on October 7th and bear witness together. Rape is not resistance. Rape is not freedom fighting. We must stand together and make sure it is never used as a tool of war. #ScreamsBeforeSilence
Photo credit: @ranmendelson
The last five days have been among the most emotional of my life. I spent them in Israel where I had the honor and privilege of working with Meny Aviram (@menyav) and the team at Kastina Communications to film a new documentary, “Screams Before Silence.”
I went with survivors to the grounds of the Nova Festival and stood with them as they shared how they survived that day and their heartbreak at the friends they lost. I walked through the eucalyptus trees with real life heroes who rescued hundreds of people and recovered the bodies of those we lost. I spoke with police investigators and first responders who saw with their own eyes the murder and mutilation of innocent civilians. And I sat and cried with released hostages, listening to their harrowing stories of survival and how they found humanity and resilience in each other.
All of these people tell the story of “Screams Before Silence.” They told stories of the unspeakable sexual violence that happened to women and men, old and young, many in the very last moments of their lives. For their sake — and for humanity’s sake — we must look squarely at what happened on October 7th and bear witness together. Rape is not resistance. Rape is not freedom fighting. We must stand together and make sure it is never used as a tool of war. #ScreamsBeforeSilence
Photo credit: @ranmendelson
The last five days have been among the most emotional of my life. I spent them in Israel where I had the honor and privilege of working with Meny Aviram (@menyav) and the team at Kastina Communications to film a new documentary, “Screams Before Silence.”
I went with survivors to the grounds of the Nova Festival and stood with them as they shared how they survived that day and their heartbreak at the friends they lost. I walked through the eucalyptus trees with real life heroes who rescued hundreds of people and recovered the bodies of those we lost. I spoke with police investigators and first responders who saw with their own eyes the murder and mutilation of innocent civilians. And I sat and cried with released hostages, listening to their harrowing stories of survival and how they found humanity and resilience in each other.
All of these people tell the story of “Screams Before Silence.” They told stories of the unspeakable sexual violence that happened to women and men, old and young, many in the very last moments of their lives. For their sake — and for humanity’s sake — we must look squarely at what happened on October 7th and bear witness together. Rape is not resistance. Rape is not freedom fighting. We must stand together and make sure it is never used as a tool of war. #ScreamsBeforeSilence
Photo credit: @ranmendelson
The last five days have been among the most emotional of my life. I spent them in Israel where I had the honor and privilege of working with Meny Aviram (@menyav) and the team at Kastina Communications to film a new documentary, “Screams Before Silence.”
I went with survivors to the grounds of the Nova Festival and stood with them as they shared how they survived that day and their heartbreak at the friends they lost. I walked through the eucalyptus trees with real life heroes who rescued hundreds of people and recovered the bodies of those we lost. I spoke with police investigators and first responders who saw with their own eyes the murder and mutilation of innocent civilians. And I sat and cried with released hostages, listening to their harrowing stories of survival and how they found humanity and resilience in each other.
All of these people tell the story of “Screams Before Silence.” They told stories of the unspeakable sexual violence that happened to women and men, old and young, many in the very last moments of their lives. For their sake — and for humanity’s sake — we must look squarely at what happened on October 7th and bear witness together. Rape is not resistance. Rape is not freedom fighting. We must stand together and make sure it is never used as a tool of war. #ScreamsBeforeSilence
Photo credit: @ranmendelson
Today is International Holocaust Remembrance Day. It’s a chance to honor the 6 million people who were murdered just for being Jewish, and the 5 million more who were killed for who they were. And it’s an opportunity to recognize the courage of those who sacrificed their lives to save others.
For me and so many other Jews, Yom HaShoah is deeply personal. We carry the stories of those who survived and those who didn’t. Growing up, I heard how my great-great-grandmother Chana Bassa left her home in Lithuania to escape persecution. If she hadn’t taken that difficult journey, my family would’ve almost certainly died in the Nazi concentration camps. @tom_bernthal’s great grandfather had relatives who were sent to be murdered in Auschwitz and other camps. Some managed to escape to France — only to be caught there and sent to their deaths in occupied Poland.
Before October 7th, this dark history felt distant, but now it feels closer than ever. The lives lost. The families torn apart. The innocent people who remain hostages. The disturbing rise in antisemitism. It’s so important that we remember each Holocaust survivor and each victim — their light reminds all of us to stand against the darkness we face now.
We cannot look away from the sexual violence Hamas committed on October 7th. The upcoming documentary “Screams Before Silence” gives people the opportunity to bear witness to these atrocities and hear directly from those who were there.
We owe it to the victims — and our humanity — to stand united in this truth: Rape should never be used as a tool of war.
Thank you @jaketapper for your shared dedication and tireless reporting. #ScreamsBeforeSilence
In Hostage Square, grief, strength, and hope all coexist. Day and night, people gather there to pray, light candles, and demand the safe return of the hostages Hamas abducted on October 7.
Walking through the Square with my parents is an experience I’ll never forget. There’s a billboard showing how many days, hours, and seconds hostages have been held. And a Shabbat table surrounded by empty chairs — each chair representing a person who is still living in captivity.
The horror hostages are experiencing at the hands of Hamas cannot be overstated. And the daily reality their loved ones are facing is difficult to comprehend. We must #bringthemhome.
In Hostage Square, grief, strength, and hope all coexist. Day and night, people gather there to pray, light candles, and demand the safe return of the hostages Hamas abducted on October 7.
Walking through the Square with my parents is an experience I’ll never forget. There’s a billboard showing how many days, hours, and seconds hostages have been held. And a Shabbat table surrounded by empty chairs — each chair representing a person who is still living in captivity.
The horror hostages are experiencing at the hands of Hamas cannot be overstated. And the daily reality their loved ones are facing is difficult to comprehend. We must #bringthemhome.
In Hostage Square, grief, strength, and hope all coexist. Day and night, people gather there to pray, light candles, and demand the safe return of the hostages Hamas abducted on October 7.
Walking through the Square with my parents is an experience I’ll never forget. There’s a billboard showing how many days, hours, and seconds hostages have been held. And a Shabbat table surrounded by empty chairs — each chair representing a person who is still living in captivity.
The horror hostages are experiencing at the hands of Hamas cannot be overstated. And the daily reality their loved ones are facing is difficult to comprehend. We must #bringthemhome.
In Hostage Square, grief, strength, and hope all coexist. Day and night, people gather there to pray, light candles, and demand the safe return of the hostages Hamas abducted on October 7.
Walking through the Square with my parents is an experience I’ll never forget. There’s a billboard showing how many days, hours, and seconds hostages have been held. And a Shabbat table surrounded by empty chairs — each chair representing a person who is still living in captivity.
The horror hostages are experiencing at the hands of Hamas cannot be overstated. And the daily reality their loved ones are facing is difficult to comprehend. We must #bringthemhome.
Wishing everyone a Happy Valentine’s Day!
And to Tom, thank you for every adventure, every quiet moment, every laugh, and every kiss. Thank you for your steadfast support which enables me to keep going. As the months turn into years, I fall more and more in love with you.
A new report by the Association of Rape Crisis Centers in Israel demonstrates that sexual violence was systematic, widespread, and “a clear operational strategy” by Hamas. It happened at a rave site, in kibbutzim, at military bases, and against hostages held in Gaza. The terrorists who carried out these horrific crimes must be held fully accountable.
Rape has no place in peace or in war.
This week, I was honored to speak at the French National Assembly, the British Parliament, and the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs — joining with leaders from around the world to stand against rape. We came together to give voice to the women who were silenced by Hamas on Oct. 7. And we heard testimonies from three brave witnesses who saw firsthand the brutality of Hamas and its agonizing aftermath.
Chief Superintendent Mirit Ben Mayor talked about the police investigation of Hamas’ crimes and hearing from witnesses who saw women being sexually attacked and raped and women’s bodies with no clothes, legs spread apart in a split, genitals cut off, and shot. Simcha Greiniman, a volunteer with Israel’s emergency response team, described the abused bodies of women his team recovered — underwear bloodied, one with nails in her genital region. And Shari Mendes, a member of an all-women’s army reserve unit, was tasked with preparing deceased female soldiers for burial at the Shura army base. She saw with her own eyes a systematic focus on female facial and genital mutilation. Their testimonies will forever weigh on my soul.
This conversation goes beyond the politics of our time. If we can’t agree that the sexual violence Hamas committed is wrong, then we have accepted the unacceptable. Rape is terror. It’s torture. There are no circumstances that justify it. This is as true when it’s happening in Israel — as it is in Ukraine, Ethiopia, and anywhere around the globe.
The intention of sexual violence is to generate fear. Let’s instead generate justice and ensure these crimes do not go unpunished. We owe this to all victims and survivors — past, recent, and future.
Today Representatives Susan Wild (@repsusanwild) and Debbie Wassman Schultz (@repdws) convened a powerful event in the halls of Congress to shine a light on the sexual violence Hamas committed on October 7th. Leaders from Israel, the US, and Jewish organizations all gathered to hear witness testimonies and demand accountability for Hamas.
@secondgentleman Douglas Emhoff called for everyone to unequivocally denounce sexual violence. Dr. Renana Eitan, director of the Tel Aviv Medical Center psychiatric division, spoke about the extreme physical and psychological abuse Israeli hostages are experiencing at the hands of Hamas. And Rep. Susan Wild explained how the pain of Hamas’ attacks has been compounded by the collective silence of the world.
Events like these matter. It’s the only way to ensure the voices of victims do not go unheard. Watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVEUOKR4rsI
Today Representatives Susan Wild (@repsusanwild) and Debbie Wassman Schultz (@repdws) convened a powerful event in the halls of Congress to shine a light on the sexual violence Hamas committed on October 7th. Leaders from Israel, the US, and Jewish organizations all gathered to hear witness testimonies and demand accountability for Hamas.
@secondgentleman Douglas Emhoff called for everyone to unequivocally denounce sexual violence. Dr. Renana Eitan, director of the Tel Aviv Medical Center psychiatric division, spoke about the extreme physical and psychological abuse Israeli hostages are experiencing at the hands of Hamas. And Rep. Susan Wild explained how the pain of Hamas’ attacks has been compounded by the collective silence of the world.
Events like these matter. It’s the only way to ensure the voices of victims do not go unheard. Watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVEUOKR4rsI
It was an honor to join Secretary @hillaryclinton, Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield (@usun), Ambassador Melanne Verveer, and many inspiring human rights activists to stand together against conflict-related sexual violence.
I spoke with Jeff Gettleman (@gettlemanjeffrey), Hala Al-Karib, and Oleksandra Matviichuk (@avalaina_ua) about their experiences documenting sexual violence crimes. A Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, Jeff talked about the challenges he’s faced gathering the stories of victims given the trauma they’ve experienced and how he writes “not just to inform, but to move people.” A gender advocate with over 20 years of experience working across Africa, Hala discussed how sexual violence has become tragically normalized and her efforts to prevent women from being seen as collateral damage during conflict. Oleksandra, a Nobel Prize-winning human rights lawyer, has helped document more than 62,000 episodes of war crimes in Ukraine. She reminded us that delivering justice for victims starts with ensuring their voices are heard. That’s exactly why we gathered.
The world’s response to each conflict deeply matters because it sets the precedent for how we will respond to the next one. Perpetrators must be held accountable — in Sudan, Ukraine, Israel, and anywhere these crimes occur. To overlook any instance of systematic sexual violence is to undo 30 years of progress. We cannot afford for rape to be accepted as an inevitable part of war — no matter the politics or the polarization of our time.
Thank you Secretary Clinton for using your voice at this incredibly critical moment. You have built a better world for every generation of women and girls after you. I will never be able to thank you enough.
You can watch the full event here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-HMhmyhu9k
Photo credit: @ShaharAzran1
It was an honor to join Secretary @hillaryclinton, Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield (@usun), Ambassador Melanne Verveer, and many inspiring human rights activists to stand together against conflict-related sexual violence.
I spoke with Jeff Gettleman (@gettlemanjeffrey), Hala Al-Karib, and Oleksandra Matviichuk (@avalaina_ua) about their experiences documenting sexual violence crimes. A Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, Jeff talked about the challenges he’s faced gathering the stories of victims given the trauma they’ve experienced and how he writes “not just to inform, but to move people.” A gender advocate with over 20 years of experience working across Africa, Hala discussed how sexual violence has become tragically normalized and her efforts to prevent women from being seen as collateral damage during conflict. Oleksandra, a Nobel Prize-winning human rights lawyer, has helped document more than 62,000 episodes of war crimes in Ukraine. She reminded us that delivering justice for victims starts with ensuring their voices are heard. That’s exactly why we gathered.
The world’s response to each conflict deeply matters because it sets the precedent for how we will respond to the next one. Perpetrators must be held accountable — in Sudan, Ukraine, Israel, and anywhere these crimes occur. To overlook any instance of systematic sexual violence is to undo 30 years of progress. We cannot afford for rape to be accepted as an inevitable part of war — no matter the politics or the polarization of our time.
Thank you Secretary Clinton for using your voice at this incredibly critical moment. You have built a better world for every generation of women and girls after you. I will never be able to thank you enough.
You can watch the full event here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-HMhmyhu9k
Photo credit: @ShaharAzran1
It was an honor to join Secretary @hillaryclinton, Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield (@usun), Ambassador Melanne Verveer, and many inspiring human rights activists to stand together against conflict-related sexual violence.
I spoke with Jeff Gettleman (@gettlemanjeffrey), Hala Al-Karib, and Oleksandra Matviichuk (@avalaina_ua) about their experiences documenting sexual violence crimes. A Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, Jeff talked about the challenges he’s faced gathering the stories of victims given the trauma they’ve experienced and how he writes “not just to inform, but to move people.” A gender advocate with over 20 years of experience working across Africa, Hala discussed how sexual violence has become tragically normalized and her efforts to prevent women from being seen as collateral damage during conflict. Oleksandra, a Nobel Prize-winning human rights lawyer, has helped document more than 62,000 episodes of war crimes in Ukraine. She reminded us that delivering justice for victims starts with ensuring their voices are heard. That’s exactly why we gathered.
The world’s response to each conflict deeply matters because it sets the precedent for how we will respond to the next one. Perpetrators must be held accountable — in Sudan, Ukraine, Israel, and anywhere these crimes occur. To overlook any instance of systematic sexual violence is to undo 30 years of progress. We cannot afford for rape to be accepted as an inevitable part of war — no matter the politics or the polarization of our time.
Thank you Secretary Clinton for using your voice at this incredibly critical moment. You have built a better world for every generation of women and girls after you. I will never be able to thank you enough.
You can watch the full event here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-HMhmyhu9k
Photo credit: @ShaharAzran1
It was an honor to join Secretary @hillaryclinton, Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield (@usun), Ambassador Melanne Verveer, and many inspiring human rights activists to stand together against conflict-related sexual violence.
I spoke with Jeff Gettleman (@gettlemanjeffrey), Hala Al-Karib, and Oleksandra Matviichuk (@avalaina_ua) about their experiences documenting sexual violence crimes. A Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, Jeff talked about the challenges he’s faced gathering the stories of victims given the trauma they’ve experienced and how he writes “not just to inform, but to move people.” A gender advocate with over 20 years of experience working across Africa, Hala discussed how sexual violence has become tragically normalized and her efforts to prevent women from being seen as collateral damage during conflict. Oleksandra, a Nobel Prize-winning human rights lawyer, has helped document more than 62,000 episodes of war crimes in Ukraine. She reminded us that delivering justice for victims starts with ensuring their voices are heard. That’s exactly why we gathered.
The world’s response to each conflict deeply matters because it sets the precedent for how we will respond to the next one. Perpetrators must be held accountable — in Sudan, Ukraine, Israel, and anywhere these crimes occur. To overlook any instance of systematic sexual violence is to undo 30 years of progress. We cannot afford for rape to be accepted as an inevitable part of war — no matter the politics or the polarization of our time.
Thank you Secretary Clinton for using your voice at this incredibly critical moment. You have built a better world for every generation of women and girls after you. I will never be able to thank you enough.
You can watch the full event here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-HMhmyhu9k
Photo credit: @ShaharAzran1
It was an honor to join the @cfr_org and moderate a panel on addressing conflict-related sexual violence. I shared the stage with three phenomenal human rights experts: Dr. Phoebe Donnelly, Madeleine Rees and Rachel Vogelstein — who have dedicated their lives to ending sexual violence wherever it occurs.
Together, we discussed the gender-based violence happening around the world as well as the systems we have — and need — to hold perpetrators accountable. We examined ways to prevent women from being seen as collateral damage during conflict. And we talked about the politicization of sexual violence since Hamas’ horrific attack in Israel.
Rape is never acceptable. This fact must hold true for all conflicts or else we stand to lose too much. That’s why conversations like we had today deeply matter. We need to remain vigilant to ensure justice for victims and survivors.
It was an honor to join the @cfr_org and moderate a panel on addressing conflict-related sexual violence. I shared the stage with three phenomenal human rights experts: Dr. Phoebe Donnelly, Madeleine Rees and Rachel Vogelstein — who have dedicated their lives to ending sexual violence wherever it occurs.
Together, we discussed the gender-based violence happening around the world as well as the systems we have — and need — to hold perpetrators accountable. We examined ways to prevent women from being seen as collateral damage during conflict. And we talked about the politicization of sexual violence since Hamas’ horrific attack in Israel.
Rape is never acceptable. This fact must hold true for all conflicts or else we stand to lose too much. That’s why conversations like we had today deeply matter. We need to remain vigilant to ensure justice for victims and survivors.
My dear friend, @leaninorg Circle member, and phenomenal artist @rachelplatten just released a new song: “Mercy.” It is beautiful, honest, and deeply powerful. When Rachel first shared it with me last summer, I was so moved by the lyrics and the story behind them.
Rachel told us that she wrote this during one of the hardest nights of her life. By putting it out in the world independently, Rachel will help so many others find light and joy in the darkness. I hope everyone listens.
On Sunday, March 3, I’m marching in the @unity_march_sf to stand against antisemitism. It’ll be a day of strength, connection, and solidarity. I hope you’ll join us.
The rise of antisemitism in America and around the world has been truly frightening. Targeting someone because of their religion is never the answer. Hatred and intimidation are never okay. It will take all of us to build a world free from fear and prejudice.
@billbradley is a two-time NBA champion, Olympic Gold Medalist, former Senator, and someone I’m lucky to call a friend. He’s the kind of person who always stands out in a room — and not just because of his height — but because of his warmth and charm. Bill is also one of the best storytellers I know, and he’s now sharing this gift with everyone through his incredible new film.
In “Rolling Along,” Bill beautifully narrates his life: from growing up in a one-stoplight town in Missouri and making history on the @nyknicks to advocating for civil rights in Congress. He reflects on the “long shots” he’s taken — like running for president — and the ways becoming a father changed his life. He reminds us that we all have our stories, and he hopes this film will encourage others to share their stories, too.
Bill’s lessons on empathy, perseverance, and finding common ground will inspire so many — just as they’ve always inspired me. You can watch “Rolling Along” starting February 1 on @streamonmax.
