Father Patrick Desbois

Father Patrick Desbois is a university professor, historian, forensic detective, and globally recognized human-rights activist dedicated to combating the root causes of genocide and fostering understanding among different faiths. As the founder of Yahad - In Unum, a non-profit organization established in 2004, he has committed himself to uncovering genocidal practices worldwide, documenting crimes against humanity, and advocating for mass murder victims.

Initially, Yahad - In Unum focused on documenting the Holocaust by Bullets in Eastern Europe, pioneering the application of modern forensic research to the study of genocide. Over nearly two decades, the organization has identified more than 2,900 killing sites and documented over 7,000 witness testimonies related to the Nazi Death Squads, known as the Einsatzgruppen. Father Desbois' books, including "Holocaust by Bullets: A Priest’s Journey to Uncover the Truth Behind the Murder of 1.5 Million Jews" and "In Broad Daylight: The Secret Procedures Behind the Holocaust by Bullets," are based on this groundbreaking work.

Building on its success, Yahad - In Unum has expanded its focus to address modern-day genocides, group hatred, and antisemitism. Since 2015, the organization has extended its research to Northern Iraq to uncover and expose the perpetrators behind the Yazidi Genocide of 2014. This work has evolved to include humanitarian and psychosocial support for Yazidi refugees, offering mental health programs, education, and aid packages to help them reintegrate into society.

Father Desbois' and Yahad - In Unum's findings have illuminated the dark mechanisms of mass hate crimes, giving voice to victims and exposing the common thread of violence and hatred across cultures and time. Today, his urgent message resonates: Resist Genocide in Our Time. His recent book, "The Terrorist Factory: ISIS, the Yazidi Genocide, and Exporting Terror," delves into the organization's ongoing efforts to collect evidence and support survivors of the Yazidi Genocide, shedding light on ISIS tactics and strategies.

More recently, Yahad - In Unum has extended its work to Ukraine, recording witness testimonies in a detailed investigation into war crimes committed by the Russian army and the FSB against innocent Ukrainian civilians. The evidence gathered is hoped to be used in criminal legal proceedings against the perpetrators.

Father Patrick Desbois and Yahad - In Unum are tireless advocates against genocide, employing forensic research to document historical and contemporary atrocities while actively working to bring justice and healing to the victims. The organization fights the spread of antisemitism, racism, and mass violence through a global educational program that trains students and educators in Europe, the United States, and Latin America, providing grassroots understanding of the horrific consequences of nefarious ideologies.