During the last twenty years, countries around the world have been torn apart by ethnic, religious, and political violence. Shattered social relations, mutual distrust, unhealed wounds, and narratives of hatred and revenge devastate communities, leaving them
vulnerable to future outbreaks of violence.
In each violent narrative, however, there are also remarkable stories of ordinary heroes who risk their lives to save members of targeted groups. These stories, unfortunately, are hidden in the rubble of violence and despair, at risk of being lost with the passage of time.
"The Rescuers” Project is a peacebuilding program
that supports healing and reconciliation in post-conflict countries by recording and highlighting the
stories of those who resisted overwhelming prejudice and violence by reaching out to condemned groups.
These rescuers are the emblems of hope.
"The Rescuers” exhibit includes twenty-one portraits and personal accounts of survivors and those who rescued them from the genocidal killings in Rwanda, Bosnia, and Germany. The goal of the exhibit is to raise awareness and promote tolerance, coexistence, and personal commitment to fight injustice.