S5E66 | Daniel Sharon, Yael Ariel & Amanda Nitza - Exposing & Combatting Ritual Abuse in Israel
Episode Outline, Introduction Excerpt, and Overall Summary
S5E66 | Daniel Sharon, Yael Ariel & Amanda Nitza - Exposing & Combatting Ritual Abuse in Israel
Episode Outline:
Introduction of Daniel Sharon, Yael Ariel, and Amanda Nitza
- *See quoted Introduction Excerpt below*
Daniel Sharon
- Background: Early life in Jerusalem, military service, and subsequent disillusionment with war.
- Journey to journalism: Founding Bereshit magazine in response to mainstream media's narratives during COVID-19.
- Goal: To become a voice for the voiceless, focusing on human rights and free speech.
- Significant publication of Israel's first article on satanic ritual abuse.
Yael Ariel
- Survivor Story: Personal testimony of resilience after enduring ritual abuse.
- Transformation of trauma into advocacy: Co-producing conferences and supporting other survivors.
- Creation of a Hebrew language website to raise awareness and provide resources for understanding ritual abuse.
Amanda Nitsa
- Background: Early life in Israel and experiences with ritual abuse.
- Healing Journey: Collaborating with therapists and advocating for awareness.
- Contribution: Involvement with film projects highlighting ritual abuse narratives.
Issues in Israel
- The societal context: Exploring the prevalence of ritual abuse in Israel.
- Silence and fear: The risks survivors take when speaking out.
- Cultural perceptions: The dismissal of survivor narratives due to entrenched societal beliefs.
- Difficulty in obtaining justice: Barriers faced by survivors in seeking legal recourse.
Collaboration and Advocacy
- The synergy between Daniel, Yael, and Amanda: Uniting their efforts.
- Outreach initiatives: Education for therapists and awareness campaigns.
- Building a support network for survivors: Importance of creating community connections.
Conclusion
- The power of storytelling: How sharing experiences can foster healing and empowerment.
- Call to action: Encouragement for more survivors to share their narratives and demand change.
- Vision for the future: Hope for a more compassionate society that acknowledges and addresses the issue of ritual abuse.
Introduction Excerpt:
“Today I’m honored to introduce to you three incredible warriors for truth, exposure, and healing for all survivors - especially in their home of Israel: CEO of Bereshit Magazine, and Independent journalist and researcher, Daniel Sharon, ritual abuse survivor and advocate, social worker and lecturer, Yael Ariel, and ritual abuse survivor, whistleblower and advocate, writer and creator, Amanda Nitza
A little bit about Daniel, Yael, Amanda and their journey’s together
In the heart of Jerusalem, Daniel, now 31, forged his early years amid the complexities of a vibrant, storied city. As a young officer in the IDF’s elite tank unit, he navigated the chaos of conflict in Gaza a decade ago. But the moral weight of war stirred a profound awakening within him. Disillusioned, he stepped away from military service, choosing a path of introspection and purpose. The arrival of COVID-19 became a catalyst, unveiling what he describes as the “horrific truth” about global systems. Guided by synchronicities and fueled by the bold voices of truth-seekers, Daniel found his calling as the CEO of Bereshit (Hebrew for Genesis) Magazine. Born as a defiant response to the fear-driven narratives of mainstream media during the pandemic, Bereshit emerged as a beacon for truth, free speech, and human rights. In 2023, Daniel broke new ground by publishing Israel’s first article on Satanic Ritual Abuse (SRA), a courageous step that sparked both controversy and connection.
It was during this fearless pursuit that Daniel crossed paths with Yael, a fierce social worker and survivor of ritual abuse. Yael’s journey is one of resilience and transformation. Having endured unimaginable trauma, she channeled her pain into purpose, co-producing two groundbreaking conferences for those healing from complex trauma. A sought-after lecturer on dissociation and complex PTSD, Yael’s voice resonates with clarity and compassion. Since 2022, she has fearlessly shared her story on Facebook, becoming one of the few ritual abuse survivors in Israel to speak out publicly. Her courage has inspired dozens of others to reach out, forming a growing network of survivors united in their mission to raise awareness and foster healing.
Together, Daniel and Yael have become an unstoppable force. Their collaboration birthed a Hebrew-language website dedicated to exposing and understanding ritual abuse, a project that, alongside Daniel’s Bereshit article and a pivotal piece in Israel Hayom, ignited a national conversation. Their friendship, rooted in shared conviction, has amplified their impact, blending Daniel’s strategic vision with Yael’s empathetic advocacy. Through Bereshit and their activism, they are rewriting the narrative - replacing fear with truth, silence with solidarity, and trauma with hope. Daniel and Yael stand as modern warriors, not with weapons, but with words, courage, and an unwavering commitment to a freer, more compassionate world.
Today, we are deeply honored to also be joined by Amanda Nitza, a courageous ritual abuse survivor whose journey of resilience and advocacy is an inspiration to us all who also works closely with Daniel and Yael. As a child, Nitza endured profound trauma through ceremonial and ritual abuse within the secular sector, including devastating harm inflicted by her father. It wasn’t until later in life that the fragmented memories of her abuse began to surface, revealing the full scope of her pain. With unwavering determination, Amanda embarked on a profound healing journey, working closely with therapists to navigate the complexities of dissociative identity disorder and the weight of her traumatic past. Now, she stands as a powerful force for change, using her strength to raise awareness about ritual abuse and contributing to a groundbreaking film that shines a light on this hidden crisis. In her homeland of Israel, Amanda is a radiant beacon of hope, working alongside Daniel and Yael to drive social awareness and fight for justice for all survivors. Her story is a testament to the human spirit’s capacity to rise above unimaginable hardship, and it’s a privilege to share her transformative work and unyielding courage with you today.”
Overall Summary:
This episode brings to light the harrowing realities of ritual abuse in Israel through an uplifting conversation with three courageous advocates: Daniel Sharon, Yael Ariel, and Amanda Nitsa, who have transformed their painful pasts into powerful voices advocating for survivors and raising awareness about this often-suppressed issue.
Daniel Sharon, the CEO of Bereshit magazine, has embarked on his journey of truth after a transformative military experience in Israel’s elite tank unit. The moral burdens of conflict led him away from military service and toward journalism, where he recognized the need for authenticity amidst mainstream fear narratives. His awakening during the COVID pandemic inspired him to boldly confront neglected topics, including the first major article on satanic ritual abuse in Israel in 2023, a courageous act that sparked national dialogue.
Yael Ariel, a ritual abuse survivor, has channeled her traumatic experiences into advocacy as a social worker and lecturer. With a goal of providing clarity to others with complex PTSD, Yael has made a significant impact in the survivor community by fostering solidarity and understanding. She co-produced impactful conferences aimed at healing from trauma and utilized social media to share her journey, breaking the silence surrounding ritual abuse and encouraging others to come forward.
Amanda Nitsa, sharing her own harrowing story, suffered ritual abuse that went unacknowledged until her mid-20s. Through years of intense therapy focusing on dissociative identity disorder, she’s emerged as a beacon of resilience and advocacy, working tirelessly with others to uncover the truth around ritual abuse, and contributing to a film aimed at raising awareness about this hidden crisis.
Together, these three warriors have developed a website dedicated to educating the public about ritual abuse in Israel—an initiative birthed from shared experiences and a unified vision for healing and advocacy.
The discussion dives deep into the vast prevalence of ritual abuse in Israel while addressing the silencing of survivors. Daniel shares insights on systemic barriers that discourage survivors from speaking out, driven largely by fear of disbelief and stigma. The tension around mentioning divorce proceedings or police victims leads to the tragic conclusion that the system prioritizes reputation over truth.
In a society grappling with its historical and ongoing trauma, the conversation touches on the fact that individual experiences can be dismissed by broader societal disconnect. In contrast, the advocates emphasize the importance of building a tight-knit network that uplifts survivors, encouraging them to share their experiences without fear of judgment.
One of the predominant themes expressed is the necessity of awareness to combat the ingrained stigma surrounding ritual abuse. The guests discuss how the interconnected anonymity of survivors serves as both a shield and a barrier for victims attempting to break their silence. Each personal testimony shared can catalyze healing and create a stronger platform for advocacy.
Yael has found her voice through sharing her own experiences and raising awareness via social media platforms, illustrating that it’s possible to reclaim power through storytelling. Amanda echoes this sentiment, as she expresses her commitment to bringing light to darkness, reclaiming the narrative around her experience and fostering hope in the survivor community.
The collective belief in the therapeutic power of narratives is palpable, asserting that sharing stories creates a ripple effect, empowering others who have lived similar experiences to step forward.
The episode also emphasizes the challenges survivors face in accessing appropriately informed therapeutic support. Many therapists may lack an understanding of ritual abuse and the unique psychological repercussions it carries. As a result, survivors often encounter skepticism, leading to feelings of isolation and disillusionment regarding their paths to healing.
The group acknowledges the critical need for educational programs targeting therapists and mental health professionals to ensure that they are informed about the nuances of complex trauma and ritual abuse. The development of training resources for educators, therapists, and advocates can create a more supportive environment for survivors seeking assistance.
The obstacles aren’t just therapeutic; they extend to systemic legal challenges as survivors may face further victimization by authorities. Many feel discouraged from reporting abuse, believing their testimonies won’t garner the seriousness they deserve. The advocates aim to galvanize action aimed at transforming institutional responses to sexual abuse cases, particularly those involving ritual abuse.
Daniel and Yael share their vision of creating a network that unifies voices across Israel while raising public consciousness around these grave issues. They believe that reaching out to established organizations, like rape crisis centers and social services, can empower them to take the necessary steps in effectively addressing ritual abuse and ensuring that survivors’ voices are not just heard, but understood.
Reflecting on the power of community as a vehicle for change, both Daniel and Yael emphasize the importance of forming alliances with like-minded individuals and organizations who share the mission of shedding light on ritual abuse. Collaboration allows for more extensive outreach and provides a greater platform to raise awareness while encouraging survivors to jump into advocacy roles.
Yael’s revelation of the supportive bond formed in her friendships with Amanda and Daniel exemplifies how compassion and connection can lay the groundwork for a thriving community focused on healing. They work to inspire others not only to come forward with their stories but to actively engage in community action, becoming advocates for themselves and others.
As the discussion progresses, the group articulates their aspirations for the future, including increased visibility for the website aimed at educating the public. They seek to provide a comprehensive resource for survivors, therapists, and the wider community—fostering an environment where healing is prioritized, and historical trauma can be addressed collectively.
The promise of change lies in the commitment of survivors to embrace their narratives and the activists working tirelessly to bring these stories to the forefront. The collective fears expressed concerning societal norms and pressures highlight the urgent necessity to rewrite the narrative surrounding sexual abuse, especially as it relates to the challenges faced by those in Israel.
This episode serves as an empowering call to action for survivors and advocates alike, shedding light on the darkness of ritual abuse while igniting hope for transformation. As the conversation unfolds, listeners are encouraged to reflect on the layered complexities of trauma, society’s connections, and the necessity of compassionate understanding within advocacy.
Throughout this episode, it is evident that this community is on the brink of monumental change. With unwavering resolve, the advocates showcase the importance of unity, storytelling, and education as critical components of healing and addressing the pervasive epidemic of ritual abuse in Israel and beyond.
S5E66 | Daniel Sharon, Yael Ariel & Amanda Nitza - Exposing & Combatting Ritual Abuse in Israel
Excellent. So thankful to hear the wonderful things happening in Israel concerning DID/RAMCOA. And to be able to hear that what i have suspected is true, since so much of what we are told is, like everywhere else, as you call it "the narrative".
And i am especially glad to hear how you are working towards healing and helping therapists to learn about this.
If I can be of any help please let Emma know. I have some information that might be useful for you.
❤️ Judie