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Uri Morad, the director of International Law and Public Diplomacy at the Jerusalem Institute of Justice (JIJ), carries with him the weight of personal tragedy from his time as a young soldier in the Givati Brigade of the IDF. While serving in Gaza, Morad experienced the horrors of war firsthand when two terrorists infiltrated his base, killing his friend, his commander, and the unit's medic.
The impact of that day has remained with him, fueling his current work as he seeks justice for those who have suffered from acts of terrorism.
This experience drives Morad as he leads the JIJ's efforts to gather testimonies from survivors of the horrific events of October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched brutal attacks against Israel. The JIJ's Survivors Seeking Justice project is not just about compiling affidavits but also giving a voice to the survivors, ensuring that they are recognized and the atrocities they suffered are addressed at the highest levels.
JIJ explains that those who bore witness to the brutal crimes on what has been termed "Black Saturday" are deserving of justice. Morad vividly recalls the intense atmosphere in the main hall of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva when JIJ gave the floor to Yuval Raphael. She was one of only 12 survivors out of 50 who endured the harrowing attack in a bomb shelter at the Supernova music festival. Her gripping testimony sent a shiver through the audience, leaving them visibly disturbed and deeply affected.
For the past nine months, Morad and his team have been collecting evidence, conducting interviews, and documenting the experiences of survivors. This data is intended to be presented to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague. The goal is justice. "By holding accountable those responsible for heinous acts of terrorism, we not only honor the resilience of the survivors but also send a clear message that such atrocities will not be tolerated," Morad stated.
"It is imperative that Hamas pays the price for terror," Morad said, emphasizing the importance of holding those responsible for...