U.S. Consulate Winnipeg cooperated with alumnus Omar Siddiqui and several local NGOs to recognize International Day for the Elimination of Racism. In partnership with the Islamic Social Services Association and Canadian Muslim Leadership Institute, as well as the University of Winnipeg and the Manitoba Association for Rights and Liberties, US Consulate Winnipeg presented two events to mark the 2014 International Day of Racism. Thanks to a grant from the Public Affairs Section at U.S. Embassy Ottawa, the Consulate was able to sponsor a visit to Winnipeg by U.S. film Director Jacob Bender to speak about his film “Out of Cordoba” and the broader theme of peaceful coexistence between cultures and religions. The documentary film “Out of Cordoba” presents the enduring influence of Jewish and Muslim thought on the art and culture of Europe and the West. The documentary is an acclaimed production that explores the legacy of two great thinkers of Muslim Spain – one Jewish and one Muslim – as well as their contemporary importance for interfaith relations in the current context of our struggles against religious extremism.
There were two screenings of Mr. Bender’s film “Out of Cordoba”, followed by a Q&A with Mr. Bender on March 21 and March 22. Both sessions were well attended and provided excellent opportunities for discussion.
