In the News
Taarifa covered the news that B’nai B’rith International is among the organizations that will convene a conference in Kigali, Rwanda to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz.
Aegis Trust, the Embassy of Israel in Kigali and B’nai B’rith International will convene a conference in Kigali dubbed “Incitement and Dehumanization as Precursors to Genocide and Crimes Against Humanity”.
The conference will take place at the Kigali Marriott Hotel on Monday, February 3, 2020.
This international event is bringing together distinguished officials, scholars, activists and survivors, from and outside Rwanda to mark the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi death camp Auschwitz, signaling the final chapter of the Holocaust as well as reflecting on the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, ahead of Kwibuka 26 to be observed on April 7, 2020.
Participants will examine forms of indoctrination to hatred, fanaticism and violence that have historically led to mass atrocities, as well as relevant contemporary challenges and some approaches to trauma and future prevention.
“Especially nowadays, when we witness more and more antisemitism in Europe and elsewhere, we are proud and honored to partner with an organization like Aegis Trust and B’nai B’ rith International to provide a platform to discuss important issues like how to fight anti-Semitism and denial of the Genocide Against Tutsi”, says H.E Dr. Ron Adam, Ambassador of the State of Israel in Rwanda.
From B’nai B’rith World Center – Jerusalem Director, Alan Schneider and B’nai B’rith International Director of UN and Intercommunal Affairs, David Michaels, says, “As critically as guns and knives, it is words that kill. No one is born seeing others as less than human.”
He added that, “As we again see the surging of fanatic ideology around the globe, it is urgent that we address the incitement and indoctrination – the violent words – that lead to the most violent of actions.”
Meanwhile, the Aegis Trust Founder & CEO, Dr. James Smith, said that, “The failure to prevent genocide against the Armenians, Jews, Cambodians and Tutsis in Rwanda is a lesson for our time. When we don’t call out antisemitism, racism or any form of injustice, we are part of the problem.”
“To stop hate destroying, we must Stand Together and as Aegis Trust, we are pleased to welcome scholars, practitioners and policy makers from across the globe in this important conference to exchange knowledge and experiences, reflect and take action against growing antisemitism and genocide denial in all its forms,” Dr. Smith said.
