The Tasteful Vegan: Genocide in the Darfur Region of the Sudan

Gabe Ferrick, a 15 year old Santa Rosa, CA, youth, has raised close to $40,000.00 for the efforts to end genocide in Darfur. On April 18, 2010, our family joined Gabe and people from all faiths and ethnicities to raise awareness for this noble cause. Co-sponsored by Gabe and Congregation Shomrei Torah, the walk took place on a crsip, beautiful Sunday morning. The energy from the crowd was palpable. People were singing, talking, hoping and praying that one day there will be peace in Darfur.

(Gabe)

Supervisor Shirlee Zane spoke along with Holocaust survivor, Lillian Judd, age 86. Lillian shared her story with the group and I am sure there wasn't a dry eye in the area. Lillain witnessed her father's murder by the gestapo. Her mother and two sisters were sent to the gas chambers. Lillian and her other sister were sent to hard labor. She felt that if more people would have spoken up, such crimes would not have been allowed to happen. She praised the groups efforts for taking a stand and raising awareness. How else will we stop genocide?

(Lillian sharing her message.)

(Our three kids with Lillian plus a good friend)

Our daughter, age 11, wrote a poem about the genocide in Darfur. The poetry contest, sponsored by the walk, was judged by a group of teachers associated with the event. Our daughter won first place and was asked, along with the runner-up, to recite her poem before the race began. Her dad and I were overcome with emotion watching her speak, at such a young age, with so much passion and clarity. Below is her poem...

A World of Peace
by our daughter, age 11

I envision a world of peace,
It's more difficult than you think,
Since the world never is at ease,
help us now, make a link,
Say goodbye to the Janjaweed,
Help us now, won't you please?

We dance and frolic about our life,
never wonder, what it's like,
To live in a world with no education or life,
Pushed around, day and night,
Hoping for a new light,
Say goodbye to the Janjaweed,
Help us now, won't you please?

(Our daugher reciting her poem!)

The Janjaweed is the term used for the armed gunmen responsible for the massacre, rape, murder and forced displacement of those in the Darfur region of the Sudan. The Sudanese government has been charged with ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity.

The Darfur genocide is in its 7th year. Over 400,000 people have be ruthlessly murdered. That is like losing the entire town of Santa Rosa, CA! Please consider what each of you can do to raise awareness and end the suffering of these people. We can make a difference!