Statement of Robert Bank, President and CEO of American Jewish World Service:
“The horrific persecution of the Rohingya people in Burma has intensified in recent weeks. Since late August, Burmese armed forces have burned entire Rohingya villages to the ground, and soldiers have indiscriminately massacred Rohingya men, women and children. More than 300,000 people have fled on foot to refugee camps in Bangladesh for fear of being imprisoned, tortured or murdered.”
“We strongly urge all United States Senators to support Senate Resolution 250. This bipartisan resolution introduced by Sens. Dick Durbin and John McCain condemns the horrific acts of violence against the Rohingya people and calls on the elected civilian leader of Burma, Aung San Suu Kyi, to actively work to end this humanitarian catastrophe.”
“As Jews who are deeply committed to the human rights of all people, the words ‘Never Again’ mean no ethnic cleansing ever again against any people. We know all too well from our history that we cannot remain silent in the face of hate and violence.”
“American Jewish World Service is calling on all Jews to speak out against the attacks on the Rohingya. At the same time, we are calling on the U.S. government to take immediate action to stop the attacks. Passing Senate Resolution 250 is a critical first step.”
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About American Jewish World Service (AJWS)
American Jewish World Service (AJWS) is the leading Jewish organization working to realize human rights and end poverty in the developing world. AJWS defends civil and political rights, advances sexual health and rights, promotes land rights and climate justice and aids communities in the aftermath of disasters. We pursue lasting change by supporting grassroots and global human rights organizations in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, and by advocating for U.S. and international policies for justice and equality worldwide. Learn more at www.ajws.org.
About American Jewish World Service and Burma
Supporting the human rights of ethnic minorities in Burma, including those of the Rohingya people, has been the work of American Jewish World Service (AJWS) in Burma for more than 15 years. AJWS provides direct financial support to more than 30 human rights organizations in Burma that have been working to advance the rights of minority ethnic groups and to create a truly pluralistic and democratic Burma. Please read more about our work in Burma.
For More Information
If you are a member of the press and wish to obtain information about our work or speak to a member of our global team on deadline, please contact Tanyanika Davis, Director of Media Relations, at tdavis@ajws.org.
