Moran Atias Instagram – My grandmother was married when she was 12 years old. I always thought it was part of the culture and of course didn’t like anything about it. But only in the recent years I learned why. My grandmother Aziza told me that Jewish girls, virgins were a target for Rape by Muslims in Marrocco so her father preferred to save her and marry her to my grandfather. Married women were other men’s possessions so they were left alone. Marrocco still remained unsafe and she and my grandfather left for Israel. Refugees. on the road. Through the desert. The streets. Arrested as they fail to escape. Till you shaved grandfather’s Beard so he won’t be recognized as a Jew. They arrived to Isarel with nothing but each other and your first baby. And build a home and a family. Aziza lost her first eldest Daugther but had seven more. Aziza worked. Cooked. Cleaned. Hosted holidays and Shabbat’s. Aziza knitted hundreds of sweaters for babies in need and raised an entire tribe to be grateful and give. Give and give. Aziza never said it was hard. She never complained or cried. She danced in every wedding so she could make the bride and groom happy as that is a Jewish Miztva. Only last year with years my grandfather and barrying her youngest special child she started crying. Crying rivers of decades. Crying like the 12 year that was never asked. ARE YOU OK? Forgive me that I didn’t want to believe it was dangerous for Jewish girls. Forgive me that I didn’t want to believe antisemitism was around the world. Forgive me that I didn’t ask how are you. Now I know. Now the world Knows. I’m sorry that when you were 12 you were Afraid of being kidnapped and raped. I’m sorry that your living through this again. With young Jewish girls raped in their homes and as they go to a party. And I’m grateful that you still chose to live and teach us LOVE. That your family tribe in service and spreads light and thank you for the mother you gave me that is the epiphany of giving and light. Today is celebrating her birthday and dedicated her wishes that this hate will stop. Hostages will return home and Jewish girls will feel safe an proud. @unwomen