Transgender Woman Assaulted in Jerusalem Critiques Police Response

A 30-year-old transgender woman living in Jerusalem, identified as E., faced a harrowing ordeal last Friday when a routine walk through the city center turned into a sequence of harassment, threats, and physical assault. According to E., she noticed a man staring at her near Mahane Yehuda Market. As she tried to move away, the man followed her closely, hurling verbal abuse, sexual remarks, and transphobic slurs.

Assault and Police Response

When E. threatened to call the police, the man briefly changed his demeanor before delivering a sudden kick to her stomach, causing severe pain and shock. E. immediately called emergency services, and officers arrived within minutes, locating the suspect nearby. However, officers released the suspect on the spot after a brief conversation without checking on E.'s condition or taking her statement at the time, telling her later that she had not initially wished to file a formal complaint.

The following day, E. went to the police station and filed an official complaint, praising the sensitivity and professionalism of the female investigator who handled her case. The Israel Police stated that an investigation is currently underway following the delayed complaint.

Trauma and Ongoing Struggles

Beyond the physical violence, the incident triggered severe post-traumatic stress disorder and dissociative symptoms for E., who has a history of childhood abuse and complex trauma. Having grown up in an ultra-Orthodox community before leaving religion in her youth, E. spoke about the compounded challenges of poverty, disability, and daily fear. Despite the trauma, E. expressed a deep message of resilience and compassion, stating that she hopes for a world where people can live in peace without violence or hatred.