When Ran Gvili, the last hostage from the Israel-Hamas war was released from Gaza, I stopped wearing yellow nail polish and returned to my beloved purple. I had been decorating my nails in shades and designs of yellow in solidarity with Hadassah’s #EndTheSilence campaign.

Hadassah initiated that international Yellow Nail Campaign in March 2024 as a call to action to #EndTheSilence about the sexual violence Hamas terrorists committed during the October 7 massacre and while they held the hostages captive in Gaza.

Hadassah’s advocacy against the weaponization of rape and mutilation of women during the Hamas-Israel war succeeded in getting the attention of the United Nations. My yellow nails were a personal success in raising awareness, as well. Noticed by those I encountered in my daily life, they became my personal vehicle for advocacy and education about Israel and Hadassah.

Once the last hostage came home and the campaign drew to a close, I stopped wearing yellow nails. But I pondered, “What could I do now to call attention to anti-Israel sentiment, fight antisemitism and continue to educate those I encounter?” I still respond to Israel Action Alerts asking me to contact my legislators on Israel’s behalf; I write letters, send emails and make phone calls. But these actions are not visible to the people I encounter in my everyday life; they don’t call attention to the issues the way my yellow nails........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)