Yael Sherer, born in 1982, is an Israeli social activist, director, author and podcaster who has dedicated her life to fighting sexual violence. She gained recognition for her film Dirty Laundry, which she directed, and in which she recounts her personal struggle against her father, who was convicted of indecent assault against her. Her book Lawyer and Lawyer was nominated for the Sapir Prize. She was selected to light a torch at the 74th Independence Day ceremony.

Sherer is the director of the Survivors of Sexual Violence Advocacy Group (SSVAG), which she founded. SSVAG works regularly to change and improve government policies related to sexual violence, achieving milestones such as the opening of acute care rooms and preventing the destruction of rape kits. The group’s motto is “Nothing About Us Without Us.”



Since the Hamas attack on October 7, she has worked extensively to give a voice to the victims of the war. Her efforts to raise global awareness includes a successful campaign that led to UN recognition of the sexual violence perpetrated by Hamas, the initiation of an international investigation into the matter, and the imposition of sanctions on Hamas.

Additionally, SSVAG has worked to ensure safety in evacuation centers of the displaced in Israel, to guarantee the care of sexual violence victims, and to improve the response to their needs.

SSVAG currently continues to advocate in international forums, battle fake news, and counter attempts to silence the conversation around the sexual violence perpetrated by Hamas on October 7. Their work with the government and the Knesset to improve the response to sexual violence victims continues, with dozens of issues being promoted by the organization across various ministries.



Yael Sherer and SSVAG exemplify significant civic action during a crisis, emphasizing the importance of individual rights and international recognition of the severe harm the war’s victims have suffered.