The atrocities in Darfur have been labeled the first genocide of the 21st Century. The UN estimates that 300,000 Darfuris have died; more than 2.5 million have been forced out of their villages and live in refugee camps with inadequate shelter, no running water or electricity, and are in constant danger of marauding Janjaweed raiders.

Tens of thousands have died as a result of disease and malnutrition. Many have fled across the border into Chad, where they are trying to survive in make-shift refugee camps.

The International Criminal Court, based in The Hague, has issued a warrant for the arrest of Omar Hassan al-Bashir, president of Sudan, for war crimes and crimes against humanity for the atrocities committed in Darfur. This is the first time the ICC has issued an arrest warrant for a sitting head of state.

Many questions immediately spring to mind, however: Will the warrant actually be served? How will this affect the long-suffering people of Darfur?

One of Bashir’s first reactions was to order the expulsion of such humanitarian aid organizations as the International Rescue Committee, Doctors Without Borders, Oxfam, CARE and Save the Children. What will happen to the fragile peace with South Sudan? Will Bashir’s colleagues throw him under the bus to try to save themselves? What will happen in neighboring African countries? How will this affect the UN Peacekeepers in Sudan? What does it mean for us? All this and more will be discussed.

Rabbi Eric Polokoff, spiritual leader of B’nai Israel, said that persons of other faiths are specifically invited to come to this program about one of the major issues of the present time, and to participate in the discussion. There will be a short, very dramatic visual presentation.

The program is free and no donations will be solicited.

Services start at 7:30 pm.

B’nai Israel is at 444 Main Street North in Southbury. For further information call 267-3395.