Why must Jewish women beg to be believed? Why does that sacred mantra of the progressive classes – “Believe women” – suddenly expire when the victims are Jews? Consider the extraordinary events at the UN this week. A former Israeli hostage who was savagely brutalised by Hamas told her harrowing tale as a UN special rapporteur just sat there stony-faced, almost scornful, her face etched with haughty cynicism. It was a sickening spectacle.

“Believe women” died on 8 October 2023

“Believe women” died on 8 October 2023

The former hostage was Ilana Gritzewsky. The imperious official was Reem Alsalem, the UN’s special rapporteur for violence against women and girls. Well, some women and girls. As Ms Gritzewsky recounted the sexual savagery of Hamas, her voice trembling with quiet, dignified fury, Ms Alsalem looked like she would rather be anywhere else. “Please look at me”, said Gritzewsky at one point. It was a truly shaming moment for the UN.

Ms Gritzewsky survived 55 days in the dank, cruel captivity of Gaza’s Islamofascists. She was seized from Kibbutz Nir Oz, along with her partner, Matan Zangauker. She was sexually assaulted as she was kidnapped. A gun-toting brute put his hand up her shirt and grabbed her breast. Such was the level of violence visited on her that she lost consciousness. When she awoke in the hellscape of Hamas-ruled Gaza, she was on a bare floor with her breasts exposed and her pants pulled down. One of her tormentors later hugged her and said she would never be released because “I want to marry........

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