Join us for an exclusive demonstration of the acclaimed "Nobody’s Listening: The Forgotten Voices of Sinjar" Virtual Reality (VR) experience on Friday, March 8 at the Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education. Almost a decade following the ISIS-perpetrated genocide against the Yazidi community, this groundbreaking VR immerses participants in the harrowing experiences of the Yazidi community, revealing the profound impact of the genocidal campaign on the persecuted community and their rich cultural heritage.
"Nobody's Listening" has left a lasting imprint, catalyzing countries including Iraq, Luxembourg and Germany to recognize the Yazidi genocide. Its influence extends to the establishment of educational programs at universities and schools, active participation in international conferences, and prestigious accolades for its profound social impact.
This event offers educators a unique opportunity to experience the immersive power of this technology firsthand, gaining insight that can facilitate empathy-driven education on issues related to mass atrocities occurring worldwide. The Mayor of London, earmarked the VR experience for its use as an educational tool to combat extremism and promote genocide education.
This exhibit will run for one day only - Friday, March 8, 2024, from 11am to 4pm at the Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education
Nobody’s Listening: Remembering the Yazidi Community 10 Years After Genocide is presented in partnership by: Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education, WorldOregon, and Never Again Coalition
Background:
The Yazidi community still grapples with significant challenges in seeking justice nearly ten years after the genocide perpetrated by ISIS. Many Yazidis remain unable to return home due to safety concerns, residing instead in displaced person camps in the Kurdistan Region. While the Iraqi government has initiated reparations efforts, obstacles in execution have hindered Yazidis from accessing support. Additionally, survivors have faced barriers in accessing criminal proceedings against perpetrators, and discussions of amnesty in Iraq's parliament may further complicate justice-seeking endeavors. As the 10th anniversary of the genocide approaches, the international community must assess further measures to enhance protection and deliver justice to the vulnerable Yazidis. This milestone underscores the need for renewed attention to the distinct needs of various communities in Iraq in the coming months.
WARNING
The VR contains descriptions of sexual violence and killing. Viewers may find some of the stories and images in this VR experience disturbing. Age recommendation 16+. This VR experience creates a simulated environment that makes the viewer feel they are actually in northern Iraq. To avoid emotional stress and comply with the “Do No Harm principle”, the VR experience does not include scenes or narrations that are overly graphic (such as including blood or dead bodies). However, we strongly recommend that if you are someone who has experienced the crimes committed by Da’esh, especially survivors of sexual violence, that you do not take part in the VR experience. You can remove the headset at any point if you want to stop the VR experience.