In the second episode of Conversations on Genocide, we spoke with Dr. Jeffrey Murer on how activists and academics can effectively engage in conversations on issues concerning mass atrocities, such as genocide, that might feel like an issue too distant for meaningful action for the general public. Stay tuned for more episodes of “Conversations on Genocide”. For more information or to donate to Genocide Watch, the host of this podcast, visit https://www.genocidewatch.com/donate. Featuring the Comanche Riding Song by Doc Tate Nevaquaya.

The Road To Auschwitz Was Paved With Indifference

How does one find hope after surviving a genocide? In today's episode of Conversations on Genocide, Elia is speaking with Consolee Nishimwe, a survivor of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi, writer, and activist. Consolee shares her experiences surviving the genocide, and how she has found hope and healing since.

Episode #7: Surviving the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi with Consolee Nishimwe

How can we best address the needs of the survivors of genocide? What does community-driven, sustainable rebuilding look like? In today's episode of Conversations on Genocide, Elia speaks with Abid Shamdeen, the co-founder of Nadia's Initiative. Nadia's Initiative is an NGO focusing on advocacy for the Yazidi people and rebuilding Sinjar following the Yazidi genocide. Mr. Shamdeen shares his story, as well as provide insight into Nadia's Initiative's philosophy and impact in the Sinjar region.

Episode #9: Advocacy and the Yazidi Genocide with Abid Shamdeen

What drives Russia’s current illegal invasion of Ukraine, and how has the Kremlin been carrying out genocide against the Ukrainian nation? How have Ukrainians and international observers been documenting Russian war crimes and raising awareness on the global stage about these ongoing atrocities?

On today's episode of "Conversations on Genocide," Emily and Wayne speak with Kateryna Buriakovska and Mykola Komarovskiy, two experts at the Kharkiv Human Rights Protection Group, about Russia’s genocidal war in Ukraine. Listen as they recount their efforts to address Russian’s grave violations of international law through international legal, organizational, and documentary frameworks.

For more information, check out our website at
www.genocidewatch.com and follow us on Instagram @genocidewatchofficial.

Episode #11: Documenting Genocide in Ukraine with the Kharkiv Human Rights Protection Group.

How has genocide remembrance served reconciliation efforts in Cambodia? How do official and unofficial actors, from the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) to everyday citizens, create memory around the Cambodian genocide? In today’s episode of “Conversations on Genocide,” Bekir speaks with Dr. Annie Rappeport, an instructor at the University of Virginia and dialogue designer at the Karsh Institution, to analyze post-genocide justice in Cambodia and the various mediums through which it has manifested itself, alongside what the future of genocide commemoration in Cambodia holds.

For more information, check out our website at www.genocidewatch.com and follow us on Instagram @genocidewatchofficial.

Episode #12: Memory, Justice, and Reconciliation in Post-Genocide Cambodia with Dr. Annie Rappeport

What was Libya's colonial experience under Italian fascism? Why has the genocide of Libyans been largely overlooked? And what connections exist between this dark chapter and the Nazis? In today’s episode, Maryam delves into these questions and more with Dr. Ali Abdullatif Ahmida, a professor at the University of New England and a leading expert on Libya. We uncover the history of a forgotten genocide, shedding light on the dismissed brutality of Italian fascists—a dark chapter that remains largely unknown, even among scholars. This conversation highlights the importance of revisiting suppressed histories to understand the lingering impacts of colonial violence and the need for historical accountability. 

Episode #13: Libya’s Lost History: Italian Fascism and a Forgotten Genocide

What challenges do Indian Muslims face in India and abroad due to the rise of Hindu nationalism? What does advocacy for the rights of Indian American Muslims look like? In today's episode of Conversations on Genocide, Elia speaks with Safa Ahmed, the Associate Director of Media & Communications for the Indian American Muslim Council. The IAMC is the largest US-based advocacy organization of Indian American Muslims, working to promote pluralism, tolerance, and respect through education, community outreach, and other initiatives. Ms. Ahmed shares a brief history of Hindu nationalism and the challenges faced by Muslims within India and the greater Indian diaspora, as well as provide insight into the work of the IAMC and its impact within the US.

Episode #14: Anti-Muslim Hate in India and the Indian Diaspora with Safa Ahmed

What unique challenges do children face in times of genocide and mass atrocities? How can we prevent the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict? What would placing children at the heart of prevention and justice efforts mean for global peace and security? In today's episode of Conversations on Genocide, Elia speaks with Dr. Shelley Whitman, the Executive Director of the Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace and Security. The Dallaire Institute is one of the leading international repository of expertise, research and advocacy to prevent the recruitment and use of children in armed violence. Dr. Whitman provides an outline of the unique challenges the use of children in conflict pose in human rights, genocide prevention, and post-conflict justice pose, as well as provide insight into the Dallaire Institute's work and style of advocacy.

Episode #15: Advocating Against the Use of Children in Armed Conflict with Dr. Shelley Whitman

How do we understand the psychological, mental health, and cognitive impacts on the survivors and offspring of genocide? Darya Ahmed is a clinical psychologist and scientific researcher with Koya University and specializes in psychological trauma in the context of the Kurdish Genocide. In today's episode, Darya joins Beth to discuss his research on psychological trauma during genocide, war, conflict, and related topics. 

Episode 17: Genocide, Conflict, and Mental Health: Survivors of the Kurdish Genocide

What role do atrocity memorials play in transitional justice, and how do communities heal in the decades that follow? In today's episode, Beth is joined by Dr. Nicole Fox to explore how memorials to past atrocities contribute to the healing and reconciliation of genocide survivors. Focusing on the 1994 Rwandan genocide, they delve into the memorials dedicated to its victims and survivors, and examine what healing has looked like over the 30 years since.

Post-Genocide Rwanda Memorialization and Reconciliation with Dr. Nicole Fox

What is cultural genocide? Why are acts of cultural genocide excluded from the legal definition of genocide? In this episode, Professor Jeff Bachman joins Elia to discuss his research into the history of cultural genocide and some of its present day manifestations.

Episode #20: What Is Cultural Genocide? with Jeff Bachman

Episode Description:

Peter Metzelaar, a Holocaust survivor, joins Beth on today's episode. Peter was born in Amsterdam in 1935. In 1942, when Peter was 7, the Nazis seized Peter's entire family except for Peter and his mother. He tells us his incredible story of survival, resilience, and the importance of Holocaust education.

Bio: 

Peter was born in Amsterdam in 1935. In 1942, when Peter was 7, the Nazis seized Peter's entire family except for Peter and his mother. Peter's mother contacted the Dutch Underground for help. The Underground found Klaas and Roefina Post who agreed to shelter Peter and his mother on their small farm in northern Holland, putting their own lives at risk. For two years they lived with the Posts until it became too dangerous and they found another hiding place with two women in The Hague. Peter, his mother, and his aunt were the only survivors of his family. Klaas and Roefina Post have been recognized as Righteous Among the Nations by Yad Vashem.

After the war, Peter and his mother immigrated to the United States in 1949, arriving in New York. Peter was 13 and didn't speak any English, but was placed in the 8th grade. Peter had a long career as a radiology technologist. He and his wife Bea raised two children from Pete's previous marriage and had a third son in California. The Metzelaars moved to Seattle in 1997. Peter continues to be an active member of the Holocaust Center for Humanity's Speakers Bureau.

Sources: 

Survivor Encyclopedia: Washington State. Peter Meztelaar: https://www.holocaustcenterseattle.org/peter-metzelaar


Mental Health Resources:

The content featured in this podcast may be emotionally disturbing and intense. Listener discretion is advised. Please consult this document for mental health resources if needed.

U.S.-Based Resources:
• SAMHSA’s National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357
• Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988
• Open Path Collective: https://openpathcollective.org/
• BIPOC Mental Health Resources: https://www.thementalhealthcoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/BIPOC-Mental-Health-Resources.pdf

Global Resources:
• Befrienders: https://befrienders.org/
• Find a Helpline: https://findahelpline.com/
• I Call Helpline: https://icallhelpline.org/
• 13 Yarn: https://www.13yarn.org.au/
• Help Guide: https://www.helpguide.org/find-help.htm


Episode 21: Peter Metzelaar: Story of a Holocaust Survivor

Since the Taliban regained power in Afghanistan, women and girls have faced systemic violence and the stripping of human rights. Women have been denied the ability to join the workforce, access education, and cannot let their voices be heard outside the house. In this episode, Raziya Masumi tells us about the brutal treatment of women and girls under the Taliban. Raziya is a legal expert, and leads the Afghanistan Task Force at Genocide Watch. 

Genocide Watch

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