Generations After, Temple Beth Emeth’s group of descendants ot Holocaust survivors, is pleased to announce the launch event for The Irene Butter Fund for Holocaust and Human Rights Education. Generations After established the fund in honor of Irene Butter’s many contributions as an internationally known Holocaust survivor, educator, peace activist and humanitarian. Housed at the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Ann Arbor, the fund will support projects in the community that promote awareness and education of the Holocaust and abuse of human rights in today's world.

The April 15 kickoff event – co-sponsored by Temple Beth Emeth, University of Michigan Hillel, Beth Israel Congregation, and the Jewish Communal Leadership Program at the University of Michigan School of Social Work – is entitled “The Fight for Human Rights – Past, Present and Future” and will feature a presentation by Ruth Messinger, Global Ambassador and former President of American Jewish World Service. Messinger’s outstanding activism and service in the fight for human rights around the world, and her long career in political and social activism, have made her an icon in Jewish progressive leadership, and she is widely considered to be one of the most dynamic speakers in America today. She was an exciting choice as a speaker because her work reflects the manner in which Irene Butter has dedicated her life to fighting for human rights, mending bridges between adversaries, and speaking out against racism, antisemitism and any form of bigotry that diminishes the human spirit.

In-person, Saturday, April 15, 2023 at 4:00 p.m. at Temple Beth Emeth, 2309 Packard St., Ann Arbor. The presentation and Q&A will be followed by an hors d’oeuvre reception. A video recording of the event will be made available to ticket-holders who are unable to attend in person.