Circle 053: Belafonte, Meyer, Chorn, Thompson, and The Children of War, From Despair to Hope, April 13, 1988

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Three CHILDREN OF WAR shared their stories at the 53rd New England Circle in April. A project of the Religious Task Force of New York City, CHILDREN OF WAR is an international youth empowerment movement with a message of hope for all young people who have experienced despair and alienation.

Conceived by peace activist Judith Thompson, the mission is based on the premise that despite despair, idealism and hope still exist.

"These kids have the Midas touch," says Thompson, "they humanize everyone they meet."

Entertainer Harry Belafonte, a member of the CHILDREN OF WAR's advisory board, led the Circle discussion. As UNICEF's Goodwill Ambassador, he is deeply concerned about the well-being of the world's children.

When a guest attending the Circle asked how he could help, Belafonte responded, "if you want to help, take a look in your own life, your own backyard and see how or what you can change."

Also speaking was Reverend Paul Mayer, a Benedictine priest and the Executive Director of the Religious Task Force. No stranger to war, Mayer came to America as a refugee escaping the Nazi regime. He was six years old.

by Lois Hogan (Associate Editor, pr reporter)

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