Join us for a month of events to honor the memories of the past, examine the causes and risk of mass atrocities today, and learn what can be done to not only prevent violence but foster community-based pathways to peace. It is only when we can reflect back on history’s most difficult moments that we can move forward to take meaningful action to prevent atrocities from occurring again.
A Musical Tribute for Yom HaShoah
Wednesday, March 31, 2021 | 7pm
Portland Chamber Music performs music composed by musicians and composers who were imprisoned and murdered during the Holocaust. The Zoom performance is followed by a conversation with Ruth Bolliger, a Holocaust survivor and an OJMCHE Speakers’ Bureau member.
This event is sponsored by Jewish Family and Child Services, OJMCHE, Never Again Coalition, PSU’s Holocaust and Genocide Studies Project, WorldOregon, The Immigrant Story, Oregon Historical Society, and First Congregational United Church of Christ.
Mass Atrocities: Could it happen in the US?
Tuesday, April 6, 2021 | 12pm
Please join us in welcoming Dr. James Waller to Portland via Zoom, where he will be presenting his world recognized research on Atrocity Prevention, and will be sharing findings from his recent report on risks in the United States, published through the Stanley Center for Peace and Security. Through his work with the Auschwitz Institute for the Prevention of Genocide and Mass atrocities, Dr. Waller has identified categories of risk that have particular significance in our current social and political landscape.
Mike Brand and Jessica Murrey will respond to Dr. Waller’s presentation, engaging questions and conversation from their unique perspectives in atrocity prevention, policymaking, and peacebuilding.
This event is sponsored by OJMCHE, Never Again Coalition, PSU’s Holocaust and Genocide Studies Project, WorldOregon, The Immigrant Story, Oregon Historical Society, and First Congregational United Church of Christ.
Yom Hashoah Service
Wednesday, April 7, 2021 | 7pm
Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, will be observed virtually this year. A short service led by the Oregon Board of Rabbis will begin on April 7, 7pm with the participation of local rabbis, Holocaust survivors, and their descendants via Zoom.
This event is sponsored by OJMCHE, Never Again Coalition, PSU’s Holocaust and Genocide Studies Project, WorldOregon, The Immigrant Story, Oregon Historical Society, and First Congregational United Church of Christ.
Reading of the Names
Thursday, April 8, 2021 | 11am-1pm
Every year on Yom HaShoah, the Day of Remembrance, communities around the world uphold the memory of victims of the Holocaust through The Reading of the Names, a public recitation of Holocaust victims’ names, ages, and birthplaces. The Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education will once again sponsor The Reading of the Names. While the event is normally held at Pioneer Courthouse Square, this year a selection of community members, elected officials, and Holocaust survivors will be reading at the Oregon Holocaust Memorial in Washington Park and the names read will be those written on the Memorial, which recognizes the lost families and friends of local Holocaust survivors. The Reading of the Names will be a virtual event and will be recorded.
This event is sponsored by OJMCHE, Never Again Coalition, PSU’s Holocaust and Genocide Studies Project, WorldOregon, The Immigrant Story, Oregon Historical Society, and First Congregational United Church of Christ.
Pathways to Peace – A New U.S. Strategy Towards Conflict Prevention
Tuesday, April 20, 2021 | 12pm
The Global Fragility Act was signed into law last year but has yet to be implemented. The Biden Administration has a chance to build upon this strategy by realigning U.S. diplomatic, development, and defense efforts in a way that reduces instability in countries that are at risk of violent conflict and extremism. By partnering with communities and governments in fragile states to address the drivers of conflict, such as human rights abuses, social and economic exclusion, corruption, and impunity, the U.S. can renew its commitment to American leadership on democracy and human rights globally. This panel discussion will include challenges and opportunities in implementing this new peacebuilding strategy.
This event is sponsored by OJMCHE, Mercy Corps, Never Again Coalition, PSU’s Holocaust and Genocide Studies Project, WorldOregon, The Immigrant Story, Oregon Historical Society, and First Congregational United Church of Christ.