Social justice advocates meet with leaders of Congress and the State Department to lobby for three pressing issues in the developing world
Twenty-eight American rabbis travel to Washington, D.C. next week as part of a human rights lobbying day organized by American Jewish World Service (AJWS), the leading Jewish organization supporting advocates for human rights and social change in developing countries.
The rabbis, who arrive March 11 will urge officials to take action on three crucial human rights issues. They will advocate for human rights in Guatemala; justice for the Rohingya people in Burma, who have suffered genocide; and an end to the “global gag rule,” which restricts U.S. funding for life-saving sexual and reproductive health programs overseas.
The rabbis are participants in a program run by AJWS that collaborates with rabbis to advocate for human rights. They will spend Tuesday on Capitol Hill meeting with members of Congress; so far they have scheduled 14 meetings directly with Senators and House meetings, and many more with staff members.
On Wednesday they will meet with State Department and USAID officials
The rabbis are arriving in Washington as Congress prepares to debate legislation calling on the U.S. to demand that the governments and military brass in Burma and Guatemala respect human rights of everyone in their countries, including long-oppressed ethnic minority groups.
“The new Congress is already challenging the Trump administration on issues of American foreign aid and support for human rights,” said Robert Bank, President and CEO of AJWS. “These rabbis are playing a key role in educating elected officials and the public about the importance of U.S. leadership on the global stage in standing up for human rights.”
Reminder to the media: We can arrange interviews with the rabbis.
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About American Jewish World Service (AJWS)
American Jewish World Service (AJWS) is the leading Jewish organization working to pursue justice and fight poverty in the developing world. By supporting hundreds of social change organizations in 19 countries, we respond to the most pressing issues of our time—from disasters, genocide and hunger to the persecution of women and minorities worldwide. With Jewish values and a global reach, AJWS is making a difference in millions of lives and bringing a more just and equitable world closer for all. Learn more at www.ajws.org
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