Stopping torture requires recognizing it. The United Nations took one step in that direction in 1984, establishing the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment or Punishment (“Torture Convention” or “CAT” for short). CAT entered into force on June 26, 1987. And in 1998, the UN began marking the anniversary as International Day in Support of Victims of Torture and the month of June as Torture Awareness Month.
Public discourse in the US often treats torture as something that happens “over there” or “back when.” Even when we acknowledge US dollars and policy supporting torture in other places, we often ignore torture that is closer and more common than we like to think. Extended solitary confinement has been long recognized by the UN as torture. It is still quite common in the US under a variety of names: segregation, isolation, controlled units). As are many other forms of torture and inhumane treatment.
…means recognizing it in its everyday, legal forms.
….Note: The Jewish year has already witnessed 37 executions in the US (as of 15 Elul), with one more scheduled in Elul, 38 for 5785 (10/2/24 – 9/21/25), with nine more scheduled for the remaining months of 2025….
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See also Addressing Carcerality.
Rereading Torah Towards Liberation 