Studying Kinocide: Terrorists' Weaponization of Families as a Form of Torture

On September 10 at 10 a.m. EST, the Program on Extremism at The George Washington University will host a panel discussion titled "Studying Kinocide: Terrorists' Weaponization of Families as a Form of Torture."

Kinocide is a term coined to describe the systematic targeting and destruction of family units, where familial bonds are weaponized as a form of psychological and physical violence. This concept, developed by Dr. Cochav Elkayam-Levy and her research team in collaboration with Irwin Cotler, former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, emerged from their analysis of the October 7, 2023, terror attacks in Israel. These attacks revealed a deliberate strategy by perpetrators to target entire families, signaling a new and deeply disturbing tactic intended to cause maximum suffering and societal disintegration.

This event will examine the evolving use of Kinocide as a form of torture in modern terrorism, discussing its implications for international law, human rights advocacy, and counterterrorism policy. The panel will explore the psychological, legal, and geopolitical dimensions of this tactic, while assessing the broader impact on affected communities and societies.

The Program on Extremism will host:

• Dr. Cochav Elkayam-Levy, Israel prize Laureate, Founder and Chair, The Civil Commission on October 7th Crimes by Hamas Against Women and Children.
• Ms. Anila Ali, women’s rights advocate, philanthropist, author, and founder of the American Muslim and Multifaith Women's Empowerment Council (AMMWEC).
• Mr. Mutasim Ali, legal advisor at the Raoul Wallenberg Center for Human Rights and the co-author of the independent legal analysis into breaches of the Genocide Convention in Sudan.
• Mr. Abid Shamdeen, co-founder of Nadia’s Initiative

The discussion will be moderated by Lara Burns, Head of Terrorism Research at the Program on Extremism.

Register Here!