A former Hamas captive who endured sexual assault during her time in Gaza will receive recognition for her bravery and advocacy work.
According to Times of Israel, Amit Soussana, an Israeli attorney and survivor of the October 7 attacks, has been selected to receive the U.S. State Department's International Woman of Courage Award, which will be presented by First Lady Melania Trump at an upcoming ceremony.
Soussana's selection for this prestigious honor comes after her tireless efforts advocating for hostages still held by Hamas. Since her release, she has traveled globally to raise awareness about the plight of captives, sharing her personal experiences of trauma and survival to shed light on the conditions faced by those who remain in captivity.
Following her liberation from Hamas captivity, Soussana demonstrated remarkable resilience by becoming a powerful voice for those still held hostage.
Her legal background, including an LLB from Sapir College and membership in the Israel Bar Association since 2014, has equipped her with unique capabilities to advocate effectively. Her professional experience spans nearly a decade at Luzzatto & Luzzatto, where she specialized in intellectual property law and managed international patent registrations.
Soussana has broken significant barriers by openly discussing the sexual assault she experienced during captivity. Her courage in sharing these traumatic experiences has helped illuminate the severity of conditions faced by hostages. Her testimony has become a crucial element in understanding the full scope of hostage treatment under Hamas control.
In response to receiving the award, Soussana stated:
I accept this award on behalf of the women who fought in the war, and on behalf of the women who suffered in captivity — who found strength in one another in order to survive the unimaginable.
The State Department's decision to honor Soussana reflects the international community's acknowledgment of the October 7 attacks' lasting impact.
Their official announcement emphasized the significance of her advocacy work, particularly in raising awareness about the conditions faced by remaining hostages. The recognition comes at a crucial time when international attention on the hostage crisis remains vital.
The award presentation ceremony will serve as a platform to amplify Soussana's message and maintain focus on the ongoing hostage situation. Her selection alongside seven other women worldwide underscores the global significance of her advocacy work. The ceremony will provide an opportunity to highlight the continued plight of those still held captive.
The State Department's commendation specifically noted:
Amit Soussana uses her voice to courageously advocate for survivors by using her own lived example to describe the trauma she suffered as a hostage of the October 7th attack in Israel. Ms. Soussana has raised awareness of the conditions faced by the women, men, girls, and boys who remain hostages of Hamas.
Former captive Amit Soussana, whose experience has become emblematic of the broader hostage crisis following the October 7 attacks, will receive the International Woman of Courage Award from First Lady Melania Trump. Her selection acknowledges both her personal ordeal and her subsequent dedication to advocating for those still in captivity.
This recognition brings renewed attention to the ongoing situation of hostages held by Hamas, while highlighting the importance of survivor advocacy in maintaining international focus on the crisis. The award ceremony will serve as a platform to amplify these crucial messages and maintain pressure for the release of remaining captives.
