The Holocaust Memorial Program at Oregon State University is proud to present a panel discussion on the evolution of religious rights and their connection with, and impact on, human rights.
How has the promotion of religious rights figured into the larger effort to protect and advance human rights? On the one hand, we find many historical and contemporary declarations of rights coupling freedom of thought, belief, conscience, and religion. However, we likewise see examples of religious freedoms for some being yoked to religious (and other) oppression for others.
Our distinguished panel will explore the historical, philosophical, legal, and experiential dimensions of this complicated question. We welcome your contributions to the discussion that will follow.
Leading our panel will be the 2015 recipient of the Elie Weisel Award, a recognition granted annually by the United States Holocaust Memorial museum, Judge Thomas Buergenthal. Buergenthal will speak to us in a double capacity: first, as a survivor of Auschwitz, whose experiences during the Holocaust are chronicled in his highly acclaimed memoir, A Lucky Child; and second, as a renowned legal scholar who has labored to make international law an ever-more-effective tool in combating human rights abuses. He has also served as a judge on several international tribunals that deal heavily in human rights cases, including the International Court of Justice (a.k.a. “The World Court”).
Also participating in the panel discussion will be:
- Dr. Rena Lauer (specialties in medieval Europe and Jewish history) will speak on minority religions and their legal rights in the medieval Mediterranean.
- Dr. Amy Koehlinger (North American religious history and thought; American Catholicism) will address the issue of religion and human rights in the history of Oregon.
- Dr. Stuart Sarbacker (comparative religion; Indic religions and philosophical traditions) will focus on religious freedom in the context of Eastern faith traditions.
- Dr. Paul Kopperman (war and genocide; chair, Holocaust Memorial Committee) will discuss the value of Holocaust education in promoting respect for diversity.
After their individual statements, the panelists will join audience members in an interactive discussion of the core themes of the evening, Religious Rights and Human Rights.
At the conclusion of this event, copies of the new, expanded edition of A Lucky Child, Thomas Buergenthal’s Holocaust memoir, will be available for purchase courtesy of GrassRoots Books.
This event is sponsored by the OSU Holocaust Memorial Program, the Mittleman Jewish Community Center, the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland, the Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education, the Institute for Judaic Studies, Grass Roots Books and Music, and the Harold and Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation.
Thomas Buergenthal will speak to us in a double capacity: first, as a survivor of Auschwitz, whose experiences during the Holocaust are chronicled in his highly acclaimed memoir, A Lucky Child; and second, as a renowned legal scholar who has throughout his career labored to make international law an ever-more-effective tool in combating human rights abuses. During his academic career, he has held a series of chairs in distinguished schools of law and is currently the Lobingier Professor of Comparative Law and Jurisprudence at the George Washington University School of Law. He has also served as a judge on several international tribunals that deal heavily in human rights cases, including the International Court of Justice (a.k.a. “The World Court”).
Professor Buergenthal is the 2015 recipient of the Elie Wiesel Award, a recognition granted annually by the United States Holocaust Memorial museum to honor “internationally prominent individuals whose actions have advanced the Museum’s vision of a world where people confront hatred, prevent genocide, and promote human dignity.”
In his talk at Oregon State University, Professor Buergenthal will discuss his experiences during World War II and his perspectives on what international law has done, and what it can be expected to do, to combat persecution and protect human rights. As the conclusion of his talk, copies of the new, expanded edition of A Lucky Child will be available for purchase.
Sunday, April 28: J-Serve Project
J-SERVE Project: Houseless Community in PDX
At Agape Village
Time to be determined. J-Serve is a teen initiative supported by BBYO open to 6th – 8th graders.
Registration opens April 1.
SAVE THE DATE. Check back for more details for this project, as well as other opportunities to participate in Good Deeds Month: HERE
Outside In Cooking
Sunday, Nov 10, Dec 8, 12:00-2:00pm
Meet in the Congregation Neveh Shalom Kitchen to do a mitzvah and help feed homeless teens.
Info: Rick Botney, 8888octopus8888@gmail.com.
Please note: Programs are subject to change; please contact the office for more information: 503.246.8831 or visit the website at: www.nevehshalom.org
Outside In Cooking
Sunday, Nov 10, Dec 8, 12:00-2:00pm
Meet in the Congregation Neveh Shalom Kitchen to do a mitzvah and help feed homeless teens.
Info: Rick Botney, 8888octopus8888@gmail.com.
Please note: Programs are subject to change; please contact the office for more information: 503.246.8831 or visit the website at: www.nevehshalom.org
Outside In Cooking
Sunday, Nov 10, Dec 8, 12:00-2:00pm
Meet in the Congregation Neveh Shalom Kitchen to do a mitzvah and help feed homeless teens.
Info: Rick Botney, 8888octopus8888@gmail.com.
Please note: Programs are subject to change; please contact the office for more information: 503.246.8831 or visit the website at: www.nevehshalom.org
Due to travel restrictions advised to contain the Coronavirus, this event has been cancelled. We hope to reschedule this event at a later date. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Antisemitism on College Campuses Workshop
Wed, March 18, 6:00pm – 8:30pm
Teens, parents, and Jewish community members are increasingly concerned about the anti-Israel sentiment on college campuses across the U.S. that often spills over into Anti-Semitic speech and policies. Stand With Us brings experts from the field to explain and discuss:
— Antisemitism vs. Legitimate Criticism of Israel
— The evolving face of the BDS movement
— Know your rights: how to respond and who can help
Program begins at 6pm, dinner included, ending time 8:30pm
Cost: $10 per individual or $15 per family
RSVP: tinyurl.com/CNSCollegeCampus20
Shomrei Teva Pesach Hike
Sunday, April 12, 10:00am
Join us for a beautiful, easy hike at Tualatin Hills Nature Park. We’ll stroll amidst the forests, open areas, creeks, and trails, making several stops for reflections on Jewish teachings, nature, and Pesach. Come to Neveh Shalom at 10:00am to carpool, meeting by the front gate OR Meet us at the park at 10:30am
All ages welcome. No pets. Bring a Pesach treat to share.
RSVP: yaakovme@gmail.com
Please note: Programs are subject to change; please contact the office for more information: 503.246.8831 or visit the website at: www.nevehshalom.org.