The supposed gang-rape of a 16-year-old girl by some 30 men in the Red Sea resort of Eilat triggered outrage in Israel and protests across the country.
Protesters assembled in several cities after media reports pronounced how men in their 20s wait in line out of a hotel bedroom where the minor was, in anticipation of their turn to take advantage of her intoxicated state.
Two suspects arrested corresponding to the police after apparently threatening to send the girl video of her ordeal.
The girl, spoke of how she is inspired by the support she has received from the public, had first reported the alleged crime to police in Eilat last week but the case had previously gone largely unnoticed.
As more information came to light, protests in the big cities of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem on Thursday evening prompted Israel’s leaders – including the President and Prime Minister – to speak out against crimes against women.
However, in addition to those supporting her, the girl said she had also received abuse online. ‘I feel that there are a lot of people behind me and this really strengthens me,’ she said, but added ‘No one knows what I went through, so how can you pass judgement and ask me questions?’ according to Channel 13.
‘It’s shocking – there’s no other word for it,’ said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling for all the suspects to be put on trial. ‘It’s not only a crime against a young girl, it’s a crime against humanity itself that deserves condemnation from all of us.’
