Abuse Survivors Claim Shoshana Strook was Silenced

Survivors of cults and sexual violence have spent the last few hours reacting to the death of Shoshana Strook. Many claim to have known Shoshana personally and are calling for an investigation into the circumstances of her death.

Yael Ariel, an activist for trauma recovery, wrote a poignant tribute on Facebook: "Shoshana Strook, the Israeli Virginia Giuffre, the bravest sister, who spoke the most painful truth and paid the highest price."

Ariel continued: "I do not know if you took your own life, or if it was another evil that sought to silence your voice. I know that on Friday you were lucid and vital, and you knew you wanted treatment and support. You wanted to live; you said it out loud, and the world saw and heard. Thank you for the unimaginable courage to let such a clear and brave voice be heard."

Addressing the claims regarding Shoshana's mental health, Ariel stated: "Against the base slanders and the narrative being planted, that you were 'crazy' and invented stories about your family, I am a witness that I saw and heard you. You were incredibly intelligent, with a Master’s degree in psychology, and you dreamed of helping other victims once you rehabilitated yourself."

Ariel also highlighted the consistency of Shoshana’s testimony: "You were lucid and honest, and the things you told matched perfectly with the testimonies of other victims and my own memories. We were harmed in the same network, and you were the witness who gave voice to my own story, but with far more courage to speak in detail. You were our voice... and we will make sure your death was not in vain."

Other women who claim to have known Shoshana personally have joined the call, insisting that she did not invent her story and alleging that she had been subjected to significant silencing efforts and threats.