Yael Vias Gvirsman

Founder and Lead Attorney of October 7 Justice Without Borders

A) What qualities make the nominee deserving of the Z3 Bridge Builder Award?

Attorney Yael Vias Gvirsman is a highly deserving nominee for the Z3 Bridge Builder Award, recognised for her leadership in international criminal law and her efforts to bridge divides in the Jewish community, especially in the wake of the October 7, 2023 atrocities. As the Founder and Lead Attorney of October 7 Justice Without Borders, Yael launched unmatched pro bono legal representation for victims of the Hamas attacks from the very first days. Her swift response filled a critical gap when no other legal assistance was yet available, and her leadership has been instrumental in ensuring that victims receive justice, truth, reparations, and non-repetition.

Yael founded October 7 Justice Without Borders, the first and only legal, non-political entity to provide comprehensive legal strategy for victims of the attacks. The organization partners globally to lead a legal front at the International Criminal Court (ICC), in criminal proceedings in Germany and France, and in civil lawsuits in Israel and the US targeting terrorist infrastructure. Yael’s extensive experience includes hands-on work at the ICC, where she is the only Israeli lawyer directly representing October 7 victims. This demonstrates her exceptional ability to lead legal efforts on a global scale, ensuring that victims’ voices are amplified in international and domestic courts.

Yael’s innovative strategies include filing groundbreaking cases, such as a criminal action in Germany under the principle of universal jurisdiction, offering Israeli citizens access to one of the strongest jurisdictions for prosecuting international crimes. She also participated in the filing of a civil lawsuit in New York against UNRWA for its complicity in the October 7 atrocities, marking the only lawsuit of its kind on behalf of Israeli citizens in the US. This legal action reflects her commitment to holding humanitarian organisations accountable to the highest standards of humanity.

Her work is not limited to criminal courts. She is also leading civil litigation efforts, including a lawsuit in Israel on behalf of Shani Louk’s family against a media entity for its role in enabling crimes, and an upcoming lawsuit targeting states and corporate entities that funded Hamas, holding them accountable for their role in supporting terrorism.

In addition to her work at October 7 Justice Without Borders, Yael’s contributions as the founding director of the International Criminal and Humanitarian Law Clinic at Reichman University highlight her commitment to educating and empowering the next generation of legal professionals. Since 2014, she has trained lawyers who will continue the fight for justice globally.

Her tireless efforts to address Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) further demonstrate her leadership in bridging divides. By documenting and prosecuting these crimes, particularly against Jewish women and girls, Yael is combating disinformation and ensuring that these horrific acts are not forgotten. Her dedication to justice has been recognised with the 'Inspiring Women: Groundbreaking Action for Women in Israel' award from the International Women Forum—Israel Branch.

Yael’s efforts in uniting Jewish communities globally, combating impunity, and advocating for the rights of the most vulnerable make her a truly deserving candidate for the Z3 Bridge Builder Award. Her legal advocacy and international partnerships not only strengthen the Jewish community but foster unity and understanding that will impact generations to come.

B) In what ways has the nominee demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to their work in bridging divides?

Yael Vias Gvirsman has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership through her tireless pursuit of justice for the victims of the October 7 atrocities. As the Founder and Lead Attorney of October 7 Justice Without Borders, she has pioneered groundbreaking legal actions, bringing together diverse international and domestic legal systems to hold perpetrators accountable. By leading cases at the International Criminal Court (ICC), initiating legal proceedings in Germany, and filing civil lawsuits in the US, Yael has exemplified her commitment to bridging divides and pursuing justice on a global scale. Her work in prosecuting states and corporations that financed Hamas demonstrates her unwavering resolve to ensure that all parties involved in enabling terrorism are held responsible.

One of Yael’s most impactful areas of leadership has been in addressing Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) during the October 7 attacks. Her focus on prosecuting crimes against Jewish women and girls highlights her dedication to not only securing justice for these victims but also combating harmful disinformation and anti-Semitism. By pursuing justice for these often-overlooked victims, Yael is bridging divides within the Jewish community and fostering a unified front in the fight for accountability and truth.

Yael’s leadership also extends to educating the next generation of legal professionals. As the founder of the International Criminal and Humanitarian Law Clinic at Reichman University, she has dedicated herself to training lawyers who will continue defending human rights and pursuing justice worldwide. Her educational initiatives ensure that future legal practitioners are well-equipped to address the most pressing issues in international law, further strengthening the global fight for justice.

In addition, Yael’s upcoming research publication, October 7 Hamas attacks: Sexual and Gender-Based Violence against Women, Girls, and Men: Enhancing Accountability for Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Committed in Conflict, commissioned by NATO’s Center of Excellence, reflects her deep commitment to advancing international legal standards. This research will serve as a critical resource for addressing SGBV in conflict and ensuring that these crimes are prosecuted at the highest levels. By focusing on the October 7 atrocities, Yael’s work reinforces the importance of applying emerging international law to hold perpetrators accountable, while also promoting victim-centred approaches for post-conflict stabilisation and restorative justice.

Yael’s leadership in uniting Jewish communities across the world, her fight against impunity, and her promotion of accountability through both legal action and education make her an outstanding nominee for the Z3 Bridge Builder Award.

C) How has the nominee's work impacted the Jewish community and beyond?

Yael Vias Gvirsman’s work has had a profound impact on the Jewish community and beyond. As the founder of October 7 Justice Without Borders, she has provided victims of the October 7 atrocities with pro bono legal representation, ensuring their voices are heard in both international and domestic courts. Her leadership in pursuing justice for victims—especially in Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) cases—has been critical in addressing the specific violence endured by Jewish women and girls.

Yael’s legal efforts have strengthened the sense of Jewish unity by bridging divides between Israel and the diaspora. By holding perpetrators accountable, she has empowered Jewish communities globally to combat anti-Semitism and disinformation, while providing Jewish leaders and organizations with the tools to protect their communities.

Her impact extends beyond the Jewish community, contributing to global justice efforts by addressing SGBV as a weapon of war. Yael’s cases at the ICC, in Germany, France, and the US, demonstrate her commitment to holding those responsible for mass atrocities accountable. Collaborating with organisations like Human Rights Watch (HRW), the United Nations, and We Are Not Weapons of War, Yael has elevated the voices of survivors and ensured their suffering is recognised internationally.

Her forthcoming chapter with NATO’s Center of Excellence on Stabilisation and Reconstruction extends her influence by offering essential tools for legal practitioners globally, strengthening rule-of-law-based democracies and preventing future atrocities.

Through her partnerships with HIAS, We Are Not Weapons of War, and legal networks like the ATLAS Network, Yael has built bridges across communities. Her collaboration with MK Shelly Tal Meron, who initiated the Global Women’s Coalition Against Gender-Based Violence as a Weapon of War, underscores her leadership in addressing these issues on the international stage.

Yael’s work has not only sought justice for the victims of the October 7 attacks but has also contributed to building a safer, more just world by reinforcing global legal standards and human rights protections. Her efforts have created lasting change for both the Jewish community and the global fight for justice.