About Dr. Mukwege

The founder and chief medical director of Panzi Hospital in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, Dr. Mukwege has treated more than 40,000 Congolese women with an unparalleled level of courage and compassion. Panzi Hospital, under Dr. Mukwege’s leadership, has become known worldwide for the compassionate treatment of survivors of sexual violence and women with suffering from severe internal injuries from the brutal rape and violence that has characterized the conflict in eastern Congo. Read a recent interview here.

A tireless advocate for the rights of women in DRC, Dr. Mukwege has refused to let very real threats against him — and even an attempt on his life late last year — get in the way of standing up and speaking out for an end to the crisis that brutalizes so many of Congo’s women.

JWW has made frequent trips to Panzi hospital and has witnessed first-hand sensitivity and strength with which Dr. Mukwege approaches his work. We are proud to be partners with Dr. Mukwege and his colleagues at Panzi to support survivors of sexual violence who, because of the complexity of their injuries or the stigma against them as rape survivors, cannot return home. Dr. Mukwege has built a home that provides not only safe shelter but the opportunity for these women to rebuild their lives through education and skills training. Support our JWW Project with Panzi Hospital now.

Dr. Muwege Visits Our Community

The last few days have been extraordinarily busy and exciting for all of us at JWW. Dr. Mukwege shared his experience and stories with the JWW community throughout a weekend jam-packed with events, including:

• Shabbat Morning at IKAR: Thank you to the entire IKAR community, and in particular to Rabbi Sharon Brous and JWW Board Member (and IKAR congregant) Vaughan Meyer for hosting Dr. Mukwege during a beautifully moving Shabbat morning service. Dr. Mukwege spoke about how all of us, as members of communities of faith, can move forward together to protect the women of Congo — most importantly, by refusing to stand idly by.

• “Bagels, Lox and The Congo” — Moishe House: The mid-city and West LA Moishe Houses came together on Sunday morning to host a brunch with Dr. Mukwege. Nearly 50 young adults packed the house for a stirring conversation. Thank you to everyone who participated — and to everyone who supported our JWW partnership with Panzi Hospital.

• “A Conversation with Dr. Mukwege” — USC Caruso Catholic Center: Monday, October 7 was our busiest day with a series of events on the USC campus. Dr. Mukwege was interviewed by USC’s largest TV network, Trojan Vision. The 30 minute-long interview will be aired on USC’s closed network on Thursday, October 10. Later this month, the interview will repeat on channel 36 to over 3 million viewers in Southern California. Dr. Mukwege was then interviewed by the Annenberg TV News program as well.

  Following both interviews, Dr. Mukwege addressed an audience of approximately 250 USC students, faculty, Deans, general community members, JWW board members and supporters, and a sizeable delegation from the Congolese community. The event was presented by JWW, USC Institute for Global Health, USC Office of Religious Life, USC Caruso Catholic Center, USC Hillel, USC Center for Religion & Civic Culture and USC Spectrum, and cosponsored by dozens of organizations, USC schools, departments and student groups.

  Dr. Mukwege’s opening remarks were followed by a conversation with JWW’s Co-Founder and President, Janice Kamenir-Reznik. Dr. Mukwege was particularly moved by the thoughtful questions asked by students, including topics from the inner lives of the perpetrators of sexual violence to how a student in California can help make a difference in this conflict; he — and all of us at JWW — hope we can take this as indication that we can count on USC students to continue to Fight On for Congo! You can read more about the event at The Daily Trojan.

• An Evening with Dr. Mukwege: Finally, Jewish World Watch offers its deep thanks to Lisa and Josh Greer for hosting Dr. Mukwege and JWW supporters at their stunning home on the evening of October 7. The intimate atmosphere allowed Dr. Mukwege to speak personally about the influences in his life and what inspires him to continue his work. It was a beautiful and moving end to an already thrilling few days with the man we all know to be a true hero.

A Personal Note

What an incredible, powerful, inspiring few days our community has had with Dr. Denis Mukwege. I’m left feeling blessed to have spent the weekend with one of my biggest heroes. Thanks to everyone who came out to support our events and meet this courageous, compassionate man. If you were moved – and I don’t see how you could have been anything less – please consider making a donation.

A little anecdote on “heroes”: Dr. Mukwege told a reporter at USC that the real heroes are the women of Congo. The women that come to see him, physically and emotionally destroyed, rejected by their communities, who find the strength to rebuild their lives and work to help not only themselves, but other women.

Sorry, Dr. Mukwege, you’re still a hero. A humble one, but a hero nonetheless.