In the course of my time as a public servant, I have always been driven by the belief that standing up for what is just, even in the face of adversity, is a fundamental duty. This conviction led me to make a difficult but essential choice to depart from the New York City Council’s Women’s Caucus. While the decision was far from easy, it was undeniably necessary.
The pivotal moment that solidified my resolve occurred just last week. As we bore witness to the gut-wrenching televised scenes of hostages being released, the haunting images of young women in their early twenties paraded through the streets by masked terrorists wielding guns left an indelible mark. The sheer terror etched on their faces was a stark reminder of the vulnerability women face in a world plagued by violence. Yet, when I implored the caucus to issue a statement of solidarity for these girls, who had fallen victim to targeted attacks by Hamas terrorists, my plea was met with a resounding refusal. The caucus hesitated to speak out against the egregious acts of gender-based violence, opting instead to cite the need for “context.”
If an organization purporting to champion women’s rights shies away from condemning such heinous acts of violence and terror, one must question its very purpose. The deafening silence that followed was not merely disappointing; it was deeply concerning. The women brutalized by Hamas deserve acknowledgment and support. Why does advocating for Jewish women not warrant the same urgency as other causes?
However, this incident was not an isolated one that prompted my departure. Rather, it was symptomatic of a broader issue plaguing the Women’s Caucus—an entanglement with an extreme leftist ideology that distorts the very essence of womanhood. Embracing policies that undermine the biological definition of women and altering bylaws to accommodate anyone who merely “identifies” as a woman, the caucus has strayed from its mission. These actions dismiss the unique challenges faced by biological women and perpetuate a narrative that erodes the hard-fought rights of women.
Let me be unequivocal—I am not relinquishing my commitment to advocating for women. On the contrary, I am intensifying that fight. I cannot, in good conscience, align myself with a group that selectively champions women’s rights based on political expediency.
Consistent advocacy demands unwavering support for women’s rights, even when it challenges prevailing political narratives. It necessitates condemning all forms of violence and oppression against women, whether they occur in New York City or Israel. Acknowledging the biological and societal hurdles women confront mandates tailored policies and protections.
Regrettably, the Women’s Caucus no longer upholds these principles. Instead of serving as a platform for women’s advancement, it has devolved into a forum for ideological activism that often contradicts its core purpose. I refuse to be part of an organization that cherry-picks which women are deserving of protection and advocacy. I will persist in advocating for policies that safeguard women’s safety and dignity and advocating for a political landscape that prioritizes women’s well-being over partisan interests.
I urge my former colleagues in the Women’s Caucus to reflect on their values and reevaluate their commitment. Real women—women who face tangible challenges and deserve genuine representation—deserve better. Let us strive to create a world where standing up for women is not a pawn in political games, but an unyielding obligation to justice and equality.
