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Community Corner

Shir Hadash to Welcome Guest Speaker on Rwandan Genocide 20th Anniversary Commemoration

As 2014 marks the 20th anniversary of the horrific Rwandan genocide, major commemoration events are planned to promote reflection, understanding, and a commitment to prevent reoccurrences of such social catastrophes. Shir Hadash Reconstructionist Synagogue will welcome Richard Hirschhaut, former Executive Director of the Illinois Holocaust Museum and current Project Consultant to Kwibuka20, the 20th Anniversary Commemoration of the Genocide Against the Tutsi, to speak on the historical impact of the genocide and the ongoing efforts to achieve stability and reconciliation in Rwanda. Mr. Hirschhaut’s presentation will take place during a Shabbat service at Shir Hadash, located at 200 West Dundee Road in Wheeling, on Friday, May 16 at 7:30pm.

Rick Hirschhaut's leadership in the human rights arena spans over three decades.  He is the Founding Executive Director of the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center and just completed ten years of service to this global human rights and education center in the Chicago suburb of Skokie. In his new role with Kwibuka, he is working with Rwanda's Diplomatic Missions, the United Nations, and a cross-section of international organizations to develop ceremonies of remembrance, special exhibitions, vigils, and related activities to ensure understanding of the genocide and awareness of Rwanda's evolving story of reconciliation and nation-building.

Over one million ethnic Tutsis were killed in a 100-day period of strife, beginning in April 1994. In the following years, the nation of Rwanda adopted a policy of “Kwibuka”, which means ‘remember’ in Kinyarwanda, Rwanda’s language. This approach acknowledged the pain of the past but also emphasized the need to unify and rebuild the nation. The Kwibuka20 program is intended to bring Rwanda’s message to the global stage through international events. Details can be found at http://kwibuka.rw.

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The public is welcome to attend Mr. Hirschhaut’s presentation. For more information, contact the Shir Hadash office at 847 498 8218.

 

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About Shir Hadash

Shir Hadash is a progressive, active, and dynamic congregation, serving the Jewish community in the north and northwest suburbs of Chicago from its synagogue in Wheeling, Illinois. Its inclusive membership welcomes singles, couples, and families. The synagogue attracts members from Northbrook, Glenview, Deerfield, Highland Park, Wheeling, Buffalo Grove, Arlington Heights and Palatine as well as Chicago, Skokie, Park Ridge, Barrington, and Gurnee. Under the leadership of Founding Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow and an active member board, Shir Hadash presents a “new song” for the Jewish community in worship, education, and cultural connections. Reconstructionism is a progressive, egalitarian, inclusive movement that makes Judaism relevant to contemporary life, while still honoring Jewish tradition. For more information, call (847) 498-8218 or go to http://shir-hadash.org.

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