As I knew it would be, friends, this was one of the most difficult conversations I’ve had thus far on The Debrief. I’m grateful that so many of you turned out to hear it live and I’m extremely thankful to the indomitable Sari Bashi, Executive Director of The Public Committee Against Torture in Israel (PCATI) for speaking with me.
Warning: This video includes graphic information about sexual violence and torture, including rape.
This conversation was hard for Sari, too, I know, and I’m so grateful for her voice and her work. She represents the best of Israeli and Palestinian civil society — which deserves our support and solidarity. It’s been an honor to work with her and many others over the past nine years of my career. I’m grateful to be able to bring them to you on The Debrief. Be sure to scroll down to the end of this post for a list of resources, with links.
The topics Sari and I spoke about included:
PCATI’s 36-year fight against the torture of Palestinian detainees — and the 1999 Israeli Supreme Court ruling that deemed torture illegal, but with a critical “exception that became the rule”
The Israeli government’s subsequent adoption of a system for regularizing torture — under it, Shin Bet interrogators could get permission for “enhanced interrogation,” including sexual abuse
Routine sexual violence and torture against Palestinian detainees since October 7 — as well as the deaths of an unprecedented number of jailed Palestinians
Responding to backlash against Nick Kristof’s piece, including allegations of “blood libel” — and in particular, the question of the use of dogs in torture and sexual violence
The Sde Teiman case — in which charges were dropped against five Israeli soldiers whose alleged rape of a Palestinian prisoner was (partially) caught on a leaked video
Hamas’ sexual violence against Israeli victims on October 7 — and why it is so difficult for Israelis, Palestinians, and their supporters of each “side” to believe and empathize with each other
The torture of Sari’s husband, a Palestinian from Gaza, in Israeli prison — and how she responded when he confided in her about his experience
Knesset’s passage of a law creating a special military court to try alleged October 7 perpetrators — and why PCATI is sounding the alarm that the court will “fast track show trials leading to mass executions by denying defendants due process”
That’s a lot, I know, and there’s much more in the video. Resources and links coming in a second but first, please read this appeal.
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Resources/Links:
PCATI’s website: I encourage you to use their resources and support their work!
B’Tselem reports: Living Hell: The Israeli Prison System as a Network of Torture Camps (January 2026); Welcome to Hell (August 2024)
UN Human Rights Council report: “More than a human can bear”: Israel’s systematic use of sexual, reproductive and other forms of gender-based violence since 7 October 2023
Debrief podcast on Sari’s memoir, Upside-Down Love: Free clips at this link but the full podcast is for paid subscribers. It’s a great time to support The Debrief!
Debrief podcast with Omer Bartov on his book, Israel: What Went Wrong?: This is essential viewing if you want to understand Israel’s post-October 7 atrocities/genocide against Palestinians in Gaza and it provides helpful context for sexual violence and torture against Palestinian detainees, too.
The Debrief’s podcast archive: As the amazing and fabulous Jess Craven says here and below, it’s worth checking out these conversations. Who am I to argue? Seriously, I’m so grateful for her support and loved doing this podcast with her.
Thanks for reading, watching, and sharing this podcast, folks. And of course, thanks for your support.
Watch this space — I’ll be back in touch soon with info about more must-watch podcasts here on The Debrief.
Warmly,
Debra
