New group eyes Darfur

By JEWISH REVIEW

article created on: 2009-02-15T00:00:00

The genocide and humanitarian crisis in the Darfur region of Sudan has spurred a good deal of interest among the Portland Jewish community. A new volunteer group from Congregation Neveh Shalom, the Neveh Shalom Says Never Again Darfur Awareness Committee, is working to raise awareness and rally support to bring an end to the atrocities in Darfur.

The group will hold a Kick-Off Event on Sunday, Feb. 22 from 12:30-2 p.m. in the Zidell Chapel at Congregation Neveh Shalom.

As Jews, we have first-hand knowledge of the horrors of genocide and have a unique responsibility to the lead the effort to stop what is going on there,” said Lauren Fortgang, a volunteer with Neveh Shalom’s Darfur Awareness Committee. “Our Kick-Off Event will provide those interested in this cause with education and inspiration through speakers with first-hand accounts of genocide and a short video explanation of the crisis. We will then equip attendees with simple ways to get involved and help the victims in Darfur.”

Two Holocaust survivors and Darfur activist Sherry Harbet from Amnesty International will address the group. The event will offer attendees hands-on advocacy activities such as letter writing campaigns and T-shirt sales. For more information, contact Sarah Greenstein at greenstein_sarah@yahoo.com.