--- title: On Yom HaShoah, Jewish and Rwandan Teens Remember A Legacy of Genocide description: Bringing Rwandan and Jewish teens together to discuss the Rwandan Genocide and the Holocaust image: https://blog.jewishphilly.org/hubfs/27500363_2030172500333505_6263826867893545736_o.jpg --- [![Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia](https://blog.jewishphilly.org/hubfs/JewishFederation_May2019/images/logo--color.svg)](https://jewishphilly.org/) - [Philly Stands With Israel](https://go.jewishphilly.org/philly-stands-with-israel) - - [Donate to Philly Stands with Israel Fund](https://donate.jewishphilly.org/page/66252/donate/1) - [Community Resources](https://jewishphilly.org/philly-stands-with-israel-resources/) - [Emergency Allocations](https://jewishphilly.org/ways-to-give/donate-emergency-response-fund/emergency-allocations/) - - [Advocate](https://jewishphilly.org/philly-stands-with-israel-resources/advocate/) - [Israel in the News](https://go.jewishphilly.org/israel-in-the-news) - [Sign up for Israel Emergency Emails](https://go.jewishphilly.org/israel-emergency-emails) - [Who We Are](https://jewishphilly.org/who-we-are/) - - [About](https://jewishphilly.org/who-we-are/about/) - [History](https://jewishphilly.org/who-we-are/history/) - [Our Impact](https://jewishphilly.org/resources/our-impact/) - [Financials](https://jewishphilly.org/who-we-are/financials/) - [Program Evaluation](https://jewishphilly.org/who-we-are/program-evaluation/) - - [Leadership & Governance](https://jewishphilly.org/who-we-are/leadership/) - [Ethics and Organizational Oversight](https://jewishphilly.org/ethics-and-organizational-oversight/) - [Careers](https://jewishphilly.org/who-we-are/careers/) - [Contact Us](https://jewishphilly.org/who-we-are/contact-us/) - [Sign Up for Emails](https://go.jewishphilly.org/jewish-federation-email-sign-up) - [Ways to Give](https://jewishphilly.org/ways-to-give/) - - [Donate Now](https://jewishphilly.org/ways-to-give/donate-now/) - [Give Monthly](https://jewishphilly.org/ways-to-give/give-monthly/) - [Donate a Vehicle](https://jewishphilly.careasy.org/HOME.html) - [Jewish Community Foundation](https://blog.jewishphilly.org/Jewish%20Community%20Foundation) - [Life & Legacy Program](https://jewishphilly.org/life-and-legacy/) - - [Philanthropic Donor Advised Funds](https://jewishphilly.giftplans.org/index.php?cID=247) - [Tribute E-Cards](https://jewishphilly.org/ways-to-give/tribute-cards/) - [Giving Societies](https://jewishphilly.org/ways-to-give/giving-societies/) - [EITC](https://jewishphilly.org/ways-to-give/eitc/) - - Your gift matters. - Your donation to the Jewish Federation has a big impact, rippling through our community and around the world, providing resources to meet urgent needs today and build a bright future. - [Get Involved](https://jewishphilly.org/get-involved/) - - [Events Calendar](https://jewishphilly.org/events-calendar) - [Signature Events](https://jewishphilly.org/get-involved/signature-events/) - [Affinity Groups](https://jewishphilly.org/get-involved/affinity-groups/) - [Volunteer](https://jewishphilly.org/get-involved/volunteer/) - - [Neighborhood (Kehillot) Programming](https://jewishphilly.org/get-involved/neighborhood-programming/) - [Mission Trips](https://jewishphilly.org/get-involved/missions/) - [Jewish Professionals Organization (JPRO)](https://jewishphilly.org/jpro/) - [Resources](https://jewishphilly.org/resources/) - - [Supporting Ukraine](https://go.jewishphilly.org/supporting-ukraine) - [COVID-19 Relief](https://go.jewishphilly.org/combatting-covid-19) - [Population Study](https://jewishphilly.org/communityportrait/) - [Mitzvah Food Program](https://jewishphilly.org/resources/mitzvah-food-program/) - [Teen Programs](https://jewishphilly.org/resources/teen-programs/) - [Jewish Camping](https://jewishphilly.org/resources/jewish-camping/) - - [Scholarships](https://jewishphilly.org/resources/scholarships/) - [Jewish Community Relations Council](https://jewishphilly.org/get-involved/public-affairs/) - [Israel Engagement](https://jewishphilly.org/resources/israel-engagement/) - [Holocaust Education](https://jewishphilly.org/resources/holocaust-programming/) - [Apply for Grants](https://jewishphilly.org/resources/apply-for-grants/) - [Security](https://jewishphilly.org/resources/security/) - [News](https://go.jewishphilly.org/news) - [Philly Stands With Israel](https://go.jewishphilly.org/philly-stands-with-israel) - - [Donate to Philly Stands with Israel Fund](https://donate.jewishphilly.org/page/66252/donate/1) - [Community Resources](https://jewishphilly.org/philly-stands-with-israel-resources/) - [Emergency Allocations](https://jewishphilly.org/ways-to-give/donate-emergency-response-fund/emergency-allocations/) - - [Advocate](https://jewishphilly.org/philly-stands-with-israel-resources/advocate/) - [Israel in the News](https://go.jewishphilly.org/israel-in-the-news) - [Sign up for Israel Emergency Emails](https://go.jewishphilly.org/israel-emergency-emails) - [Who We Are](https://jewishphilly.org/who-we-are/) - - [About](https://jewishphilly.org/who-we-are/about/) - [History](https://jewishphilly.org/who-we-are/history/) - [Our Impact](https://jewishphilly.org/resources/our-impact/) - [Financials](https://jewishphilly.org/who-we-are/financials/) - [Program Evaluation](https://jewishphilly.org/who-we-are/program-evaluation/) - - [Leadership & Governance](https://jewishphilly.org/who-we-are/leadership/) - [Ethics and Organizational Oversight](https://jewishphilly.org/ethics-and-organizational-oversight/) - [Careers](https://jewishphilly.org/who-we-are/careers/) - [Contact Us](https://jewishphilly.org/who-we-are/contact-us/) - [Sign Up for Emails](https://go.jewishphilly.org/jewish-federation-email-sign-up) - [Ways to Give](https://jewishphilly.org/ways-to-give/) - - [Donate Now](https://jewishphilly.org/ways-to-give/donate-now/) - [Give Monthly](https://jewishphilly.org/ways-to-give/give-monthly/) - [Donate a Vehicle](https://jewishphilly.careasy.org/HOME.html) - [Jewish Community Foundation](https://blog.jewishphilly.org/Jewish%20Community%20Foundation) - [Life & Legacy Program](https://jewishphilly.org/life-and-legacy/) - - [Philanthropic Donor Advised Funds](https://jewishphilly.giftplans.org/index.php?cID=247) - [Tribute E-Cards](https://jewishphilly.org/ways-to-give/tribute-cards/) - [Giving Societies](https://jewishphilly.org/ways-to-give/giving-societies/) - [EITC](https://jewishphilly.org/ways-to-give/eitc/) - - Your gift matters. - Your donation to the Jewish Federation has a big impact, rippling through our community and around the world, providing resources to meet urgent needs today and build a bright future. - [Get Involved](https://jewishphilly.org/get-involved/) - - [Events Calendar](https://jewishphilly.org/events-calendar) - [Signature Events](https://jewishphilly.org/get-involved/signature-events/) - [Affinity Groups](https://jewishphilly.org/get-involved/affinity-groups/) - [Volunteer](https://jewishphilly.org/get-involved/volunteer/) - - [Neighborhood (Kehillot) Programming](https://jewishphilly.org/get-involved/neighborhood-programming/) - [Mission Trips](https://jewishphilly.org/get-involved/missions/) - [Jewish Professionals Organization (JPRO)](https://jewishphilly.org/jpro/) - [Resources](https://jewishphilly.org/resources/) - - [Supporting Ukraine](https://go.jewishphilly.org/supporting-ukraine) - [COVID-19 Relief](https://go.jewishphilly.org/combatting-covid-19) - [Population Study](https://jewishphilly.org/communityportrait/) - [Mitzvah Food Program](https://jewishphilly.org/resources/mitzvah-food-program/) - [Teen Programs](https://jewishphilly.org/resources/teen-programs/) - [Jewish Camping](https://jewishphilly.org/resources/jewish-camping/) - - [Scholarships](https://jewishphilly.org/resources/scholarships/) - [Jewish Community Relations Council](https://jewishphilly.org/get-involved/public-affairs/) - [Israel Engagement](https://jewishphilly.org/resources/israel-engagement/) - [Holocaust Education](https://jewishphilly.org/resources/holocaust-programming/) - [Apply for Grants](https://jewishphilly.org/resources/apply-for-grants/) - [Security](https://jewishphilly.org/resources/security/) - [News](https://go.jewishphilly.org/news) [Donate](https://jewishphilly.org/ways-to-give/donate-now/) [Donate](https://jewishphilly.org/ways-to-give/donate-now/) [Newsletter](https://jewishphilly.org/get-involved/newsletter/) [Login](https://jewishphilly.org/login/) [Board Login](https://jewishphilly.org/board-login/) Search Search the site: Search the site: [Newsletter](https://jewishphilly.org/get-involved/newsletter/) [Login](https://jewishphilly.org/login/) [Board Login](https://jewishphilly.org/board-login/) Search ## Jewish Philly Blog ![On Yom HaShoah, Jewish and Rwandan Teens Remember A Legacy of Genocide](https://blog.jewishphilly.org/hubfs/27500363_2030172500333505_6263826867893545736_o.jpg) ## May 6, 2020 # On Yom HaShoah, Jewish and Rwandan Teens Remember A Legacy of Genocide This year during the week of Yom HaShoah, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia brought together two very special groups of teens: our own Diller Teen Fellows and Alumni and a panel of students from Rwanda's[Agahozo Shalom Youth Village (ASYV)](http://asyv.org). The virtual meeting took place at a time when both groups were reflecting on historical tragedy. While Jews worldwide remembered the Holocaust, the Rwandan students were observing Kwibuka ("remembrance"), a 100-day morning period for the many lives lost during the 1994 Rwandan genocide. While the teens' past and present realities are worlds apart, they both wrestle with a similar question: What is your responsibility as a young person to remember the past? Youth leadership was a common theme, with several of the Rwandans teens describing it as integral to both remembering and moving past tragedy.  "Leadership means a lot to my country, as the genocide never would have happened if we had strong leaders," said Deborah Meillah Asiimwe Hirwa, ASYV's student government president. "As young people, we are on a journey of building ourselves from a terrible past to ensure that a genocide never happens again." Livingstone Rwagatare, a senior at ASYV, said, "Since our genocide happened very recently, we have many survivors who live in very poor conditions. It is the youths' responsibility to give them hope and a better life."   Lily Gaither, a current Diller Teen Fellow, thanked our panelists. "After such a terrible genocide, it is inspiring to hear how you are all doing such amazing things in order to heal your country and pursue your dreams," she said. During these uncertain times, Philadelphia's Diller Teen Fellows are still able to make connections, strengthen their Jewish identities and learn what leadership means. This was a truly special meeting where all were reminded that our responsibility to remember is shared, whether we live in the next town over or across an ocean.  ***Know a Jewish teen with leadership potential? Applications for the 2020-2021 Diller Teen Fellows cohort are now open! [Click here](https://jewishphilly.org/resources/teen-programs/diller-teen-fellows/) to learn more.*** Share [Share on Facebook](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://blog.jewishphilly.org/this-yom-hashoah-jewish-and-rwandan-teens-discuss-a-legacy-of-genocide&title=On%20Yom%20HaShoah,%20Jewish%20and%20Rwandan%20Teens%20Remember%20A%20Legacy%20of%20Genocide) [Share on Twitter](http://twitter.com/home?status=On%20Yom%20HaShoah,%20Jewish%20and%20Rwandan%20Teens%20Remember%20A%20Legacy%20of%20Genocide+https://blog.jewishphilly.org/this-yom-hashoah-jewish-and-rwandan-teens-discuss-a-legacy-of-genocide) [Share by Email](mailto:?subject=On%20Yom%20HaShoah,%20Jewish%20and%20Rwandan%20Teens%20Remember%20A%20Legacy%20of%20Genocide&body=On%20Yom%20HaShoah,%20Jewish%20and%20Rwandan%20Teens%20Remember%20A%20Legacy%20of%20Genocide%20-%20https://blog.jewishphilly.org/this-yom-hashoah-jewish-and-rwandan-teens-discuss-a-legacy-of-genocide) ### Sign up for the *Jewish Philly* E-Newsletter [Back to The Latest](https://blog.jewishphilly.org) [Tweets by JFedinPhilly](https://twitter.com/JFedinPhilly?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) ## Find us on ![JFGP_KO_rgb](https://blog.jewishphilly.org/hs-fs/hubfs/JFGP_KO_rgb.png?width=300&height=84&name=JFGP_KO_rgb.png) Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia Two Commerce Square 2001 Market Street, Suite 2300 Philadelphia, PA 19103 [215.832.0500](tel:1-215-832-0500) | [info@jewishphilly.org](mailto:info@jewishphilly.org) *The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia welcomes the participation of Jews across the religious spectrum, interfaith couples and families, and people of all abilities, backgrounds, gender identities, and sexual orientations. If you require special accommodations, please contact us, and we will make every effort to meet your needs.* © 2024 Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia. All Rights Reserved. [Privacy Policy](https://jewishphilly.org/privacy-policy) | [Contact Us](https://jewishphilly.org/who-we-are/contact-us) A 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. EIN: 23-1500085 [![Four-Star-Rating-Badge-Full-Color](https://blog.jewishphilly.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Four-Star-Rating-Badge-Full-Color.webp?width=150&height=150&name=Four-Star-Rating-Badge-Full-Color.webp)](https://jewishphilly.org/4-star-charity-navigator-rating/)   - [Who We Are](https://jewishphilly.org/who-we-are/) - [About](https://jewishphilly.org/who-we-are/about/) - [History](https://jewishphilly.org/who-we-are/history/) - [Our Impact](https://jewishphilly.org/resources/our-impact/) - [Leadership & Governance](https://jewishphilly.org/who-we-are/leadership/) - [Financials](https://jewishphilly.org/who-we-are/financials/) - [Program Evaluation](https://jewishphilly.org/who-we-are/program-evaluation/) - [Contact Us](https://jewishphilly.org/who-we-are/contact-us/) - [Sign Up for Emails](https://go.jewishphilly.org/jewish-federation-email-sign-up) - [Careers](https://jewishphilly.org/who-we-are/careers/) - [Get Involved](https://jewishphilly.org/get-involved/) - [Events Calendar](https://jewishphilly.org/events-calendar) - [Signature Events](https://jewishphilly.org/get-involved/signature-events/) - [Affinity Groups](https://jewishphilly.org/get-involved/affinity-groups/) - [Volunteer](https://jewishphilly.org/get-involved/volunteer/) - [Jewish Community Relations Council](https://jewishphilly.org/get-involved/public-affairs/) - [Travel with Purpose](https://jewishphilly.org/get-involved/missions/) - [Neighborhood Programming](https://jewishphilly.org/get-involved/neighborhood-programming/) - [The Latest](https://go.jewishphilly.org/news) - [Blog](https://blog.jewishphilly.org) - [Press Room](https://jewishphilly.org/category/press-room/) - [Ways to Give](https://jewishphilly.org/ways-to-give/) - [Donate Now](https://jewishphilly.org/ways-to-give/donate-now/) - [Give Monthly](https://jewishphilly.org/ways-to-give/give-monthly/) - [Jewish Community Foundation](https://jfgp.giftlegacy.com/) - [Life & Legacy Program](https://jewishphilly.org/life-and-legacy/) - [Tribute E-Cards](https://jewishphilly.org/ways-to-give/tribute-cards/) - [Giving Societies](https://jewishphilly.org/ways-to-give/giving-societies/) - [EITC](https://jewishphilly.org/ways-to-give/eitc/) - [Resources](https://jewishphilly.org/resources/) - [COVID-19 Relief](https://go.jewishphilly.org/combatting-covid-19) - [Population Study](https://jewishphilly.org/communityportrait/) - [Mitzvah Food Program](https://jewishphilly.org/resources/mitzvah-food-program/) - [Teen Programs](https://jewishphilly.org/resources/teen-programs/) - [Jewish Camping](https://jewishphilly.org/resources/jewish-camping/) - [Apply for Grants](https://jewishphilly.org/resources/apply-for-grants/) - [Scholarships](https://jewishphilly.org/resources/scholarships/) - [Israel Engagement](https://jewishphilly.org/resources/israel-engagement/) - [Holocaust Education](https://jewishphilly.org/resources/holocaust-programming/) - [Security](https://jewishphilly.org/resources/security/)