REFUGEES AND THE CALL OF MERCY
What is our obligation to displaced persons?
In 2015, Pope Francis called for an Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy in response for the world's need for a “revolution of tenderness” from which “justice and all the rest derives.” Join us for two panels of theologians, political scientists, sociologists, philosophers, and practitioners exploring the global refugee crisis and our moral obligations to those affected by war, violence, and displacement.
Photo Exhibit: Selections from "Syria's Lost Generation"
Tuesday, October 18 - Friday, October 28
University Hall Atrium, ground floor
In 2013 and 2014, Elena Dorfman was asked by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to photograph Syrians throughout the Middle East who had fled war and persecution at home. Making portraits and audio recordings throughout Lebanon, Turkey, Kurdistan, Jordan, and Egypt, Dorfman, primarily a fine art photographer whose work has exposed marginalized communities in a way that brings them respect and attention, found herself most compelled by the teenage refugees. Dorfman’s "Syria’s Lost Generation" project portrays a physics champion, a published poet, a religious scholar and a girl who simply misses the particular taste of her favorite food from home. Each speaks of powerful longing and frustration. Forced to flee their homes and with little opportunity for study or meaningful work, they all spoke about their lives passing them by and futures lost. They are, indeed, the lost generation of Syrians, sitting out young adulthood in exile. Selections from this project, along with accompanying text, are on display on the ground floor of the University Hall atrium. Open to the public.
Refugees on the Ground: Experiences and Challenges of Displaced Life
Tuesday, November 1 | 11:30 a.m.
St. Robert's Auditorium
Panel and discussion, with a focus on the experience of being a refugee and on the practical, hands-on challenges involved in caring and advocating for refugees around the world. Panelists to include Elena Dorfman (photographer, “Syria’s Lost Generation”), Petra Jurlina (European Center for the Study of War and Peace), Sysvanh Kabkeo (Refugee Programs Bureau, California Department of Social Services), and Martin Zogg (International Rescue Committee). Event to feature an exhibit of photographs of Syrian refugees, selections from Elena Dorfman's "Syria's Lost Generation." Outside food and drink are encouraged.
Perspectives on Displacement: An Interdisciplinary Exchange
Thursday, November 3 | 11:30 a.m.
St. Robert's Auditorium
Panel and discussion, with an academic and interdisciplinary perspective through the lenses of political science, theology, sociology, and philosophy. Panelists to include Allan Deck (Loyola Marymount University), Kerstin Fisk (Loyola Marymount University), and Jonathan Rothchild (Loyola Marymount University). Event to feature an exhibit of photographs of Syrian refugees, selections from Elena Dorfman's "Syria's Lost Generation." Outside food and drink are encouraged.
All events are free and open to the public. Co-sponsored by the International Relations Program.
Photo Gallery
Video