Joseph Gerson in Strasbourg
Illustrated Talk and Discussion
February 9, 2016 – 7 p.m.
Cambridge Central Square Library
45 Pearl St. (next to public parking & 476 feet from Central Square MBTA)
Friends,
Self-promotion has never been my strong suit, but I’m writing to invite you to my illustrated talk about the Hibakusha (A- Bomb witnesses and survivors) and their courageous struggle for a nuclear weapons-free world.
Our exhibit at the Central Square was given to us by the Japan Confederation of A- & H- Bomb Sufferers Organizations. We thought the best way to launch our speakers series would be for me to talk about who these people are, what they have endured – not only 70 years ago, but throughout their lives – and about their courageous actions and initiatives for a nuclear weapons-free world. I’m looking forward to the talk, as it will provide me an opportunity to speak personally about people I’ve come to know and love.
For those who don’t know me well, I’ve worked closely with Hibakusha since I first traveled to Hiroshima and Nagasaki 30 years ago. My work with what I learned from Hibakusha served as the foundation of my book, With Hiroshima Eyes. I’ve returned to Hiroshima and Nagasaki many times, and we’ve hosted many Hibakusha delegations to the United States. And, with Japanese partners, I have organized “Global Hibakusha” delegations: survivors from across the world, including the Marshall Islands, Tahiti, Utah and New Mexico, Kazakhstan, and Russia. I’ll say a few words about them too!
There’ll also be time to take a look at our incredible exhibit. I hope you’ll be able join me this Tuesday.
Joseph Gerson
Director, AFSC Peace & Economic Security Program