April 7, 2016
This week, the B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation Commission, Australia’s leading organisation combatting anti-Semitism and hatred in all its forms, marked International Day of Reflection on the Genocide in Rwanda.
Dr Dvir Abramovich, Chairman of the B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation Commission, issued the following statement:
“Today, we remember and mark with deep sorrow the horrifying and unimaginable atrocities that took place 22 years ago, over a 100 day period, in which more than 800,000 men, women and children were raped and murdered in of Rwanda. The devastating impact, grief and the trauma the genocide inflicted on the Rwandan people endures to this very day. We pay tribute to the victims, and applaud the people of Rwanda who have sought the road to reconciliation and healing, and who have rebuilt their shattered lives and country. Who would have imagined that less than 40 years after the Holocaust, the world, once again, would be a bystander to what became the worst genocide since history’s darkest chapter. Shamefully, the international community collectively did nothing to stop the slaughter. Indeed, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has acknowledged these failures when he noted, “We should have done much more.” Today, there are mass atrocities perpetrated against innocent civilians around the globe that should call us to action. No one can claim ignorance. Thus, as we observe this sombre occasion and grieve for lives lost, we re-affirm our commitment to never forget the lessons of ‘Never Again’: that governments must work tirelessly to confront the hateful ideologies and propaganda that result in genocide and take immediate measures to stop such brutalities, that we must never allow tyranny to gain a foothold, that we must advance human rights everywhere, and that those who are guilty of crimes against humanity must be pursued and convicted.”
The Anti-Defamation Commission, founded in 1979, is Australia’s leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through educational programs that combat bigotry, prejudice and all forms of hatred.
For further information please contact Dr Dvir Abramovich on (03) 9272 5677
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