Israeli Scientologists Host Human Rights Forum

Civic, cultural and religious leaders cooperate in the name of peace at the Center for Scientology in Israel

More than 100 guests representing a broad panorama of civic, community and religious groups filled the Alhambra Auditorium at the Center of Scientology in Tel Aviv-Jaffa December 20 for a forum held in observance of Human Rights Day.

The forum marked the 64th anniversary of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a document of particular historical significance for Israel that applies all the more today. Eleanor Roosevelt, chair of the commission that drafted the document, stated on the occasion of its adoption by the United Nations General Assembly: “Man's desire for peace lies behind this Declaration. The realization that the flagrant violation of human rights by Nazi and Fascist countries sowed the seeds of the last world war has supplied the impetus for the work which brings us to the moment of achievement here today.”

Sefi Fichler, Director of Public Affairs of the Center of Scientology in Tel Aviv, hosted the forum. Speakers hailed from the broad cultural and religious tapestry of the country, including an advisor to the Prime Minister on Bedouin affairs; representatives from the Ministry of Justice, the Israel Anti-Drug Authority, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, the Lions Club, leaders of the Druze Community and other human rights advocates. The wide variety of topics they discussed all contributed to the central theme: peace and cooperation among all people.

Biblical scholar Dr. Rimon Kasher, a guest speaker at the Center’s grand opening in August 2012, spoke of the heritage of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, giving specific examples of the human rights mandated by biblical commandments and laws.

Druze leader Sheikh Abu-Rukun praised Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard whose legacy has brought together so many different groups and faiths in the name of peace.

Scientology supports United for Human Rights and Youth for Human Rights. Scientologists on five continents engage in collaborative efforts with government agencies and nongovernmental organizations to bring about broad-scale awareness and implementation of the 1948 United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the world’s premier human rights document.

The Church of Scientology International has published a new brochure, Scientology: How We Help—United for Human Rights: Making Human Rights a Global Reality, to meet requests for more information about the human rights education and awareness initiative it supports. To learn more, visit Scientology.org/HumanRights.

Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard wrote, “Human rights must be made a fact, not an idealistic dream,” and the Scientology religion is based on the principles of human rights. The Code of a Scientologist calls on all members of the religion to dedicate themselves “to support true humanitarian endeavors in the fields of human rights.”