Name: 45th IRTF Commemoration of the Martyrs + Human Rights Banquet: Art & Historical Memory
Start: 2025-11-09T16:00:00-05:00
End: 2025-11-09T20:00:00-05:00
Location: Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ

45th IRTF Commemoration of the Martyrs + Human Rights Banquet: Art & Historical Memory

This year we mark the 45th anniversary of the sacrifice of four US women in El Salvador. Jean Donovan and Ursuline Sister Dorothy Kazel (from Cleveland) were brutally killed alongside Maryknoll Sisters Ita Ford and Maura Clarke by US-trained and funded military in El Salvador. Within a few months after that horrific tragedy, people of faith and conscience in Cleveland founded IRTF as a way to carry forward their legacy—taking action in solidarity with oppressed and marginalized communities as they struggle for peace, dignity, and justice.
On Sunday, November 9, 2025, we will also commemorate the lives of human rights defenders in Central America and Colombia lost this past year for their brave outspokenness against injustices in their communities. Our guest speaker (and music performer) Sebastián Torogós will talk about the incredible challenges facing the people of El Salvador and the connection to their collective memory of the war years of the 1970s and ‘80s. The country is experiencing its most severe threats to democracy since the civil war ended in 1992. The “State of Exception,” now in its fourth year, has led to more than 400 deaths among the 90,000+ incarcerated in a massive arrest sweep by police and military, which includes the indefinite detention of political dissidents. El Salvador now has the highest incarceration rate in the world, even topping that of the United States.
LANGUAGE INTERPRETATION:
-will be available (Spanish to English).
-Inquire about our virtual option for the presentation and music performance.
SCHEDULE: Come for any/all of the event: 4pm social hour; 5:30pm interfaith ceremony and guest speaker; 7pm Central American dinner
TICKETS: Reserved seats: $45
Group tables for 8 or more: $40 per person ($320 for a table)
Walk-ins: $50 at the door | Online only: $15
(Suggested donations)
MORE INFO: Call 216.961.0003 and leave a message with your name and phone. MAIL CHECKS: to IRTF at 3606 Bridge Ave. Cleveland, OH 44113
SPONSOR: To commemorate ALL the human rights defenders and empower people to carry on their legacy, we need your help! We respectfully request that you consider a sponsorship or a donation (gift card or product for our auction) towards our Annual Commemoration of the Martyrs.
ACCESS: This event will be held in a wheelchair accessible space at the Pilgrim UCC in Cleveland. Approximately 250 IRTF friends and supporters will gather for a social hour, sit down dinner and interfaith program. Childcare available by request.
PS - DO NOT LET COST BE A DETRRENT FOR YOUR ATTENDANCE! We have discounts for low-income attendees (70% off ticket prices) and we have several dozen FREE tickets available through the generosity of our sponsors and the mutual aid solidarity of several community members. Email [email protected] or text 8577191276 for a code.