Studies at Ben Gurion University in Be'er Sheva were suspended today (Sunday) for an academic hour due to a protest to restore a sense of personal security in the city.
This is in light of the increase in cases of sexual harassment of young women in the area, especially in the old neighborhoods around the university - which are called B, C and D.
This morning the protest said: "The feeling of personal security in the public space is the basis for a routine of life that we deserve, without any difference between us. We will demand renewed control over our private body, public space and boundaries. We deserve security in our city and state streets And not against a particular sex, gender or population.
Nitzan Sinai, second-year student in psychology and management, Photo: None
A letter sent to decision-makers read: "Once someone hits public space, it becomes dangerous for all of us. You don't have to get hurt to join, and that's the job of law enforcement. We as a society need to expand our vision and acceptance to all types of populations. As a pioneer, on the issue of changing the reality of street harassment and a sense of security in the city. "
Watan Madi, 19, a Muslim Arab and second-year student of linguistics, politics and government, told Israel Today: "I once came home and a guy accompanied me with his car, drove after me slowly. "Until he drove and I left. Usually I am called on the street and make noises - I have experienced many such cases."
Neta Krieger, third-year social work student, Photo: None
Nitzan Sinai, 25, a second-year psychology and management student, said her case went viral: "I train almost every day at the Writers' Park in the facilities. Once, like every day, I went with my friends - and in the middle of training someone caught me. He put his hands behind his back and started dragging me. He called for me to be raped, dragged me on the grass right in front of everyone.
"During this time he kept shouting, and I tried to break free from him. My friends took him away from me and separated. I was very upset, he also tried to attack more girls in the park. The boys there ran and caught him. I called the police, and the caller told me they were on their way. I hung up the phone and they arrived within 20 minutes. They stopped him and I filed a complaint.
Anti-violence rally in Be'er Sheva, Photo: Dudu Greenspan
"I went back to practice there after a few days - and I see him there again, in the exact same place. I could not understand how such a thing happens. Apparently he has something mental. They released him - and I do not understand why they do not treat him or stop him. In a way as a tool "The feeling here in the city is that there is no deterrence and no protection. I have a lot of student friends and they also do not feel protected. Leave the girls in Be'er Sheva to their fate."
Among the organizers of the protest is Column Neta Krieger, 26, a third-year social work student and coordinator of gender equality and sexual harassment at the Ben-Gurion Student Association.
"I'm originally from Tel Aviv, harassment is not something that is foreign to me - it happens all over the country. In the first semester of the first year, I returned home in the evening in the B neighborhood. Lady boys rode electric bicycles, young people, about 15-14 years old. And laughed.
Opening of the school year at the University, Photo: Dudu Greenspan
"I just remember the feeling of helplessness, and that there is no one around me. I felt hurt. Dialing 100 did not cross my mind at all - I knew they would no longer be caught.
"There is a difference between harassment, assault or rape," she added.
"I can say that each of my friends here in Be'er Sheva has experienced something like this. In my two years in office there has been an increase in the number of shares. This issue is making headlines and it gives a lot of courage to girls to come, talk and reveal their personal story, knowing they are not alone. Turn".
The student union was sent a page of demands in the immediate and future term, such as improving everything about filing complaints with the police and the nature of handling them, requests to illuminate the city alleys in the neighborhoods adjacent to the university, and budget allocations to all concerned.
