Story of Forgiveness in Unspeakable Loss Relevant for Oregonians

Immaculée Ilibagiza, survivor of Rwandan Genocide, to speak in Salem March 28th at Willamette University, 7:00 PM at Smith Auditorium.

For more information on the story of Immaculée Ilibagiza, visit the Website truthreconciled.org

(SALEM, Ore.) - In light of the recent genocide on the streets of Nairobi, Kenya, the message of Rwandan-genocide survivor Immaculée Ilibagiza is more relevant than ever.

A story of triumph in the face of evil, her message will touch every human spirit. This remarkable woman will move you with her tale of faith, forgiveness, and determination to transcend the most horrific suffering, loss, and fear.

"In 1994 people were screaming all over the country," she says, remembering the gruesome details when members of the Hutu tribe killed 3 of every 4 Tutus with machetes, spears and knives.

At the end of 100 days, 800,000 had been brutally slaughtered by their former neighbors and friends. Reportedly, it was the most efficient genocide ever carried out.

"I am finally speaking out," says Ilibagiza, "in hopes of preventing further atrocities where massacres loom on the horizon."

With the headlines of tribal warfare from Kenya early this month, it is evident Ilibagiza’s message is more relevant than ever. Since her parents and 2 brothers were killed in Rwanda in 1994, she brings a story to inspire us to hope for peace in the midst of horror and practice love in the midst of hatred.

Enduring incomparable despair and nearly starving to death, Ilibagiza huddled silently for 90 days with 7 other women in the tiny bathroom of a neighbor.

Sitting on top of each other, barely able to move, the women listened day and night to the shouts of killers intending to rape and hack them to death, even calling their names. Ilibagiza’s story of survival and endurance reminds us that heroes walk among us everyday.

Organizers of her special appearance say those spending an evening with Immaculée Ilibagiza and listening to her tell the story, will never be the same.

About Immaculée Ilibagiza

Born in Rwanda and educated at its National University, Immaculée Ilibagiza witnessed first- hand the atrocities of brutal genocide. She now lives in Manhattan and works for the UN, and established Left to Tell Charitable Fund to help others heal from long-term effects of war.

Author of Left to Tell, Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust, she has been given the Mahatma Gandhi International Award for Reconciliation and Peace, an honorary doctoral degree from University of Notre Dame, and Beliefnet’s 2006 title "Most Inspiring Person of the Year." See truthreconciled.org for more information.