Believe in Israeli women

As a man, I look around and see Israeli society, proud of its progress and innovation yet profoundly hesitating when it comes to addressing the issue of gender equality. This collective apathy, this passivity in the face of such apparent disparity between women and men, contradicts the very principles of justice and equity we claim to value. As a humanist, this inertia worries and challenges me, highlighting a failure to meet the expectations of a society that considers itself advanced.

To the women, I want to start with an apology—apologies for not speaking up sooner and for not acting with the urgency this topic demands. The indifference and inaction in the face of gender inequality reflect an alarming disconnection from the most basic principles of humanism. It’s not just a matter of women’s rights; it’s a matter of fundamental human rights. Our failure to challenge the power structures perpetuating inequality is a symptom of a deeper disease: a reluctance to question the status quo.

To my fellow men, I now direct my voice: it’s time for us to recognize the critical importance of gender equality not as a secondary issue but as a fundamental measure of the health and progress of our society. Every time a woman is limited by discriminatory laws or by social and cultural prejudices, the whole social fabric suffers. We deprive ourselves of half the creativity, intelligence, and leadership capability.

Our responsibility goes beyond identifying and criticizing these injustices; we must act to change them. Passivity in the face of gender inequality is not an option; it’s a moral failure. As a society, we must actively seek reforms that promote gender equality across all spheres of life. Every step toward gender equality is toward a more just, compassionate, and humanistic society.

Celebrating International Women’s Day without committing to actual actions is insufficient. We cannot afford not to address gender inequality. The cost of inaction is too high for all of us. Therefore, I urge all men to recognize the urgency of this cause and to actively engage in the fight for a society where men and women can truly stand on equal footing, sharing the same opportunities, rights, and responsibilities.

As a man, I commit to being part of the necessary change, to challenge the status quo, and to work towards a future where the full potential of our collective is genuinely recognized and valued. I apologize for the lost time. I affirm my commitment to action from this point forward. Together, we can build a more egalitarian, just, and humanistic society.