‘Chhange’ Colloquium Features Witnesses to Genocide

LINCROFT, N.J.—On May 14, the Center for Holocaust, Human Rights & Genocide Education at Brookdale Community College (Chhange) held its 32^nd annual Colloquium at the Collins Arena on the Lincroft campus. This year, the Colloquium was held in commemoration of the 20^th anniversary of the genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. Globally recognized activist Lt. General Romeo Dallaire spoke to a captivated crowd of more than 2,400 people, including around 2,000 middle and high school students from 45 different schools.

Dallaire was an eyewitness to the genocide as Commander of the United Nations forces on the ground. Despite his pleas to the UN and governments worldwide, the international community failed to intervene and stop the murder of 800,000 innocent victims.

During his moving and, at times, emotional speech, Dallaire spoke to the audience about his experiences in Rwanda in 1994—the atrocities he witnessed, and what he took away from it all. He focused on the human experience, posing the question: “Is one human being more human than any other?” Dallaire referred to the students as “The Generation Without Borders,” citing their global responsibility to assist others, and highlighting the fact that they have the technology to communicate with anyone, anywhere. He challenged them to make a difference, to value humankind, to act, and to take steps towards improving the world for those who live in inhumane conditions.

Young Rwandan survivor and youth activist Yannick Tona opened the event by sharing his testimony of the genocide. At age four, he spent three weeks walking with his disabled mother through the bush to safety. For the last six years, he has been an advocate for genocide prevention, determined to make the world a better place.

Dale Daniels, the executive director of Chhange, said after the program, “As I walked the campus with General Dallaire, the thank-you’s and verbal commitments from the students brought tears to my eyes. I know that there were many children there today who will never forget hearing these two men, and there will be those who will commit to the responsibilities Dallaire placed upon them.“

Chhange educates about the Holocaust, genocide, and human rights issues; promotes the elimination of racism, anti-Semitism, and all forms of prejudice; and develops outstanding creative programs and activities regarding these crucial issues. To learn more about Chhange and its programs, visit www.chhange.org or call (732) 224-1889.