Encino nonprofit aspires to 'end suffering'

Janice Kamenir-Reznik is organizing a grop of conscientious people who are trying to draw attention to the plight of persecuted peoples throughout the world. The fifth Walk to End Genocide is expected to draw more that 3,500 marchers. (John McCoy/LA Daily News)

IF YOU GO

The Fifth Annual Walk Against Genocide begins at 8 a.m. Sunday, at Warner Center Park, 5800 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Woodland Hills. (818) 501-1836.

www.JewishWorldWatch.org.

When Rabbi Harold M. Schulweis and attorney Janice Kamenir-Reznik first learned of atrocities in Sudan, they repeated the post-Holocaust refrain: "Never again."

Seven years later, their nonprofit Jewish World Watch in Encino has become a hands-on leader in the global fight against genocide, having raised $5 million for relief and development projects.

On Sunday, its 5th Annual Walk to End Genocide is expected to draw thousands in Woodland Hills and other cities - the largest such march in the nation.

"It's a demonstration of empathy and action," said Kamenir-Reznik, 59, of Encino, in an office bustling with young people preparing for the walk that drew 3,500 last year to Warner Park and elsewhere. "It's a rallying cry for people of all faiths to take and speak out against genocide."

Consider the Darfur genocide, now in its 8th year, has involved the ethnic slaughter of 400,000 civilians, according to JWW, plus 1 1/2 million refugees.

Consider that 5.5 million civilians have been murdered in Eastern Congo, plus 1 million women raped.

Consider 19 conflicts now at high risk of genocide around the world.

"`Never again' must not be restricted to any particular group or ethnicity," said Schulweis, of Valley Beth Shalom in Encino, who turns 86 next week. "It's contrary to the whole reason of saying, `Never

again."'

Schulweis was an award-winning conservative rabbi renowned for theology, interfaith dialogues and human rights activism. Kamenir-Reznik was a real estate attorney known for her tireless dedication.

Together, their non-governmental organization has recruited 68 member synagogues in Southern California. Conducted three fact-finding missions in Chad and Congo. And raised millions for global relief.

Locally, it has promoted education about genocide. It has also worked on legislation to divest public investment in Sudan, and bar state contracts with electronic companies using so-called "conflict minerals" from the Congo.

Globally, it has spent roughly $3 million to fund the manufacture of 44,000 solar cookers in Darfuri refugee camps in Chad.

In addition, it has funded school building roofs, burn centers for survivors and school supplies, hygeine items and toys for refugees.

Its 3-mile walks for genocide in Woodland Hills, Orange County and Santa Rosa are frequently joined by victims of ethnic persecution.

Jewish World Watch hopes to soon open a Washington, D.C., office and expand to college campuses throughout the nation.

"Seeing young people from all walks of life join in this march, including member so of the Armenian church, is testimony that one can make friends out of strangers," Schulweis said.

"The ultimate goal is to end suffering," said Kamenir-Reznik. "It's critically important not to allow suffering without voices being raised."

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