In memory of Anat Shkuri
About a year ago, on November 25th, on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, I stood on the protest stage and spoke about the personal great loss and the social price we pay for the growing phenomenon of women who are murdered by their spouses.
I mentioned the Talmudic phrase ” He who saves one soul it’s as if he saved the entire world”, as a way to point to the loss of a life which was not lived to its fullest, as well as an indication of the loss of a human link in the chain of beings – each personal link actualizing the possibilities of the world through life choices.
Lost lives, destroyed dreams, lost hope, unfulfilled love – all as the result of social constructions that teach men that it is acceptable to use violence. That violence is a possibility. That oppressing women is part of manhood. Let us say no more to that and commemorate the women who paid with their lives for their kindness and love.
On November 25th, a prayer concerning women who have been murdered by their Spouses is scheduled to be recited through the day, as well as on November 26, Shabbat Parashat Toldot, in synagogues throughout the Jewish world.
The prayer in Hebrew was composed by Yael Levine in 2001. An article charting the various aspects concerning the recitation of the prayer, and the words of the prayer, may be found at the following link:
http://kolech.com/show.asp?id=47527
May women gain equality, respect and freedom soon in our days. Amen.
