WASHINGTON—The Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, also known as the Helsinki Commission, today announced the following hearing:
RESPONDING TO HATE
The Role of Religious Actors
Tuesday, July 16, 2019
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Rayburn House Office Building
Room 2200
Live Webcast: www.youtube.com/HelsinkiCommission
In the past year alone, places of worship in Christchurch, Colombo, Pittsburgh, and Poway were targets of hate-based violence, resulting in the tragic loss of more than 300 lives.
Effectively countering hate crimes requires a comprehensive effort bringing together government institutions, criminal justice systems, civil society actors, and international organizations. Religious actors and interfaith institutions play an important role in promoting safe and inclusive societies and reducing violence, hostility, and discrimination.
Witnesses will describe how religious actors and interfaith institutions can work together to further human rights and protections for all in the OSCE region, and share strategies to prevent and respond to hate crimes and violence targeting our societies in public places, including places of worship and social institutions.
The following witnesses are scheduled to participate:
- Rabbi Hazzan Jeffrey Myers, Rabbi and Cantor, Tree of Life Synagogue, Pittsburgh, PA
- Father James Martin, Editor at Large, America Media, New York, NY
- Imam Gamal Fouda, Imam, Al Noor Mosque, Christchurch, New Zealand
- Radia Bakkouch, President, Coexister, Paris, France
- Alina Bricman, Elected President, European Union of Jewish Students, Brussels, Belgium
- Usra Ghazi, Director of Policy and Programs, America Indivisible; Mayor’s Interfaith Council, Washington, DC
- Reverend Aaron Jenkins, Vice President of Policy and Advocacy, The Expectations Project (TEP), Washington, DC
Additional witnesses may be added.
