Save Us From Genocide Program Recognized

Since last year, a coalition of interfaith groups in the Bay Area has been supporting efforts to call attention to the plight of Yezidis, Assyrians, and other religious minorities who continue to be forced from their homes in Iraq and Syria, their women and girls kidnapped and raped. Thousands have been murdered and more thousands now live in refugee camps. The Yezidis are a Kurdish people who share an ancient religious tradition, while the Assyrian Church is one of the oldest Christian traditions. The Interfaith Center at the Presidio, along with the Marin Interfaith Council, the Interfaith Council of Contra Costa County, and the Silicon Valley Interreligious Council, has been working with Rabbi Pamela Frydman to bring the situation to the attention of governmental leaders, elected officials, and United Nations representatives. All four groups are Cooperating Circles of the United Religions Initiative, and you can find out more at the URI website.
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On October 23rd, the United Nations Association East Bay Chapter awarded their Global Citizen Award to the “Save Us from Genocide” Campaign  at the International Center at UC Berkeley. ICP Executive Linda Crawford was present to receive the award on behalf of the councils.

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To learn more about the Save Us from Genocide project, go to yezidis-assyrians.org/ or go to www.norcalrabbis.org/yezidi-fundraiser/ to contribute to the Beyond Genocide project to assist Yezidi resettlement.


The following note was sent by Rabbi Pam Frydman, coordinator of the project.


Dear All,
The Interfaith Center at the Presidio and its partner organizations have earned the United Nations Association (UNA) Global Citizen Award from UNA’s Bay Area Chapter for its Save Us From Genocide campaign to raise consciousness about the plight of Yezidis and Assyrians facing genocide in Iraq and Syria.


The awards ceremony dinner took place in Berkeley last night at the International House at UCB. Unfortunately, the time posed a conflict for those who hold worship on Sunday evenings, as well as for all of our Jewish colleagues because that evening begins Shmini Atzeret and Simchat Torah. (Pam was unable to attend due to these holidays. She submitted a video instead.)


Thanks to Linda Crawford for her leadership and support of the Save Us From Genocide campaign.


Rabbi Pamela Frydman