Stop Standing in Way of Help for Hungry and Homeless Refugees

Target: James Risch, U.S. Senator

Goal: Do not block aid to refugees experiencing mass displacement and hunger.

The World Food Bank just reported a serious shortage in donations for refugees in need. Politicians in certain U.S. states are trying to cut off emergency food aid for millions of families still experiencing food insecurity. In the latest shameful act exhibiting humanity’s ever-declining humanitarian impulses, a single Senator has successfully blocked desperately needed assistance for one of the planet’s most suffering regions.

Secretary of State Anthony Blinken pledged economic assistance in the range of 50 million dollars to residents of the ravaged Gaza Strip. These inhabitants became collateral damage in 11 days of military-style exchanges, incurring more than 250 deaths (including dozens of children) and the destruction of hundreds of buildings. By the time a cease-fire was called, an estimated 100,000 people had been driven from their homes and displaced indefinitely. The promised aid could bring some measure of relief to these human beings enduring tremendous upheaval. Yet Idaho Republican Senator James Risch has exploited a law introduced in 2018 to put a hold on this vital assistance.

Sign the petition below to demand this heartless politician stop playing games with peoples’ lives.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Senator Risch,

You recently wrote: “this abhorrent practice concerns me deeply and should be repugnant to all members of Congress.” Senator, you are absolutely right that a “repugnant” and “abhorrent” act has taken place in regards to the Taylor Force Act. This deplorable behavior has been instigated by you as you warp and weaponize a law, presumably to score a few cheap political points.

Your claims that the designated Gaza aid might go to terrorists is deliberately misleading. You are more than aware, Senator, that this aid is strictly allotted to non-profits that bear no political affiliation. Your despicable blockade of this aid is not keeping financing out of the hands of terrorists. Rather, you are keeping food, shelter, and security from human beings who did nothing other than try to live their lives. You may never meet these men, women, and children, but their images should haunt you.

Stop trying to take the humanity out of humanitarian. Lift your life-endangering blockade immediately.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo Credit: Sameeh Karram