BRIDGE BUILDERS LECTURE SERIES

The Bridge Builder Series features people who personally or through their work help others build bridges of religious tolerance. This series has been made possible through a generous gift from the Albert and Ethel Herzstein Charitable Foundation.

A Perspective on the Holocaust: The role of Ethics and Morality for the Military Professional

Colonel Edward B. Westermann, Lackland Air Force Base

Tuesday, April 13, 2010, 7:30 PM 

Holocaust Museum Houston

Colonel Edward B. Westermann, commander of the Air Force Basic Military Training at Lackland Air Force Base will join the Boniuk Center for his lecture, “A Perspective on the Holocaust: The Role of Ethics and Morality for the Military Professional,” which will address how the United States Air Force Academy’s course on the genocide of the European Jews during the National Socialist dictatorship prepares the Academy students to confront moral dilemmas that may arise when the execution of military orders directly affects the life and death of innocent civilians. 
 
Colonel Westermann holds a B.S. in Military History from the USAF Academy, an M.A. in European History from the Florida State University, an M.A. in Military Art and Science from the School of Advanced Airpower Studies, and a Ph.D. in Military and European History from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He was a Fulbright Fellow at the Free University of Berlin, a summer fellow at the US Holocaust Memorial Museum, and a German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) fellow on two occasions.

 Co-sponsored by Holocaust Museum Houston and Greater Houston ROTC

Past Bridge Builders Lecture Events

Is Interfaith Dialogue Dangerous to Faith?

The Interfaith Amigos: Pastor Don Mackenzie, Rabbi Ted Falcon & Sheikh Jamal Rahman

Thursday, February 25, 2010, 7:30 PM

Christ the King

Frequent speakers at churches and civic groups in the Northwest, Pastor Don, Rabbi Ted, and Sheikh Jamal bring a message of deep hope and profound possibilities for healing both person and planet.  Their work comprises a dialogue of the head, the heart, and the hands, encouraging greater understanding, compassion and social action in the world. 

There will be a book signing following the program for The Amigos' book, "Getting to the Heart of Interfaith". 

Books will be available for purchase at the lecture by Brazos Bookstore. 

Visit the amigos' website here .

Co-sponsored by Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston and the Coalition for Mutual Respect program of the ADL

Building Tolerance in America’s Youth During a Time of Crisis

Hind Makki, Outreach Education and Training Associate, Interfaith Youth Core
Wednesday, March 24, 2010, 7:30 PM

St. Paul's United Methodist Church
5400 Fannin St
Houston, TX 77004
(713) 528-0527

Hind Makki is an Outreach Education and Training Associate with Interfaith Youth Core.  Hind specializes in Youth Leadership Development and works with many outreach communities.  She travels to college campuses, congregations and conferences throughout the United States and Western Europe and offers presentations and training on promoting religious pluralism, effective interfaith service-learning and meaningful interfaith dialogues. Hind will be joining The Boniuk Center to speak with the community about building tolerance among youth and will also work with Rice University staff, faculty and student groups during her visit.  Visit the Interfaith Youth Core website here .

Co-sponsored by St. Paul's United Methodist Church and Rice University Office of Student Life