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University Communications

Israeli storyteller is a highlight of University of Richmond's "Overcoming Hatred Week"

November 4, 2008

Noa Baum, an Israeli storyteller and actress, chronicles her relationship with a Palestinian woman through her dramatic interpretation, "A Land Twice Promised," Nov. 13, 7:30-9:30 p.m., Keller Hall Reception Room.

The event is a highlight of the university's Overcoming Hatred Week, Nov. 9-16. In recognition of the 70th anniversary of Kristallnacht—a night when 91 Jews were killed, 30,000 Jews were shipped to concentration camps, 7,000 Jewish businesses were destroyed and more than a thousand synagogues torched—the university's Office of the Chaplaincy is sponsoring a week of programs to raise awareness about the struggles facing minorities and strengthen a culture of understanding, tolerance and inclusivity.

In her presentation, Baum will narrate both sides of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, taking on the perspectives of two Israeli and two Palestinian women. The following day, she will lead a workshop, "Risking Peace," on the use of storytelling during conflict to promote understanding. The workshop is Nov. 14, 10 a.m. to noon in the Wilton Center Interfaith Room, and is free but an RSVP to (804) 289-8500 required.

All programs are free and open to the public. For more information, contact Matthew White at mwhite3@richmond.edu or 289-8997. Other events during the week include:

  • Interfaith Kristallnacht Commemoration, Nov. 9, 3-4 p.m., Perkinson Recital Hall (North Court) - Representatives from area faith communities will participate in a service remembering the events of Kristallnacht, which took place in Nazi-controlled areas during the night of Nov. 9-10, 1938. Rabbi Martin Beifield of Congregation Beth Ahabah in Richmond will offer reflections.

  • Holocaust Survivor Alexander Lebenstein, Nov. 10, 12 p.m., Jepson Hall, Room 118 - A Richmond resident, Lebenstein is a survivor of the Holocaust and Kristallnacht, and will discuss his experiences as an 11-year-old during Kristallnacht.

  • Soulforce Equality Workshop, Nov. 15, 2 p.m., Wilton Center Interfaith Room (first floor) - Soulforce works to overcome bigotry and oppression of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people through direct, nonviolent activism. Haven Herrin, a Richmond alumna and Soulforce representative, will lead an interactive workshop analyzing forms of Judeo-Christian and Islamic imagery that feed homophobia.