Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC)
Taking action for Aleppo is “Never Again” at work
Every day at The Center for Holocaust and Humanity Education, students learn about the starvation, deprivation, atrocities, and genocide committed seven decades ago while similar atrocities occur on our watch. Since the genocide in Syria began in 2011, more than 400,000 individuals have lost their lives and millions have been displaced. While we said “Never Again” after the Holocaust, genocide is happening on and the international community is standing by.
During the Holocaust, many Americans said they didn’t know what was happening because it wasn’t being reported. We cannot deny the knowledge of these atrocities, as they are being documented in real time. Over the past few weeks, we have watched the situation in Aleppo deteriorate with thousands unable to escape horrific conditions.
While there are no simple answers to resolving this complicated conflict, at CHHE we encourage those who are concerned to contact their Representatives, Senators, and the White House and ask for America to lead an international effort to ensure humanitarian aid for those suffering and work towards a solution to end this conflict. At the same time, we can continue raising awareness using our own social media networks and make donations to help with the humanitarian crisis.
I am deeply grateful that the Federation umbrella organization, the Jewish Federations of North America, has recognized the dire situation in Syria and created opportunities to provide financial assistance that can make a difference. Here is what they share about helping:
“Our people have a long history of humanitarian activity aiding both Jews and non-Jews during times of crisis, and we know many of you are looking for a way to help. Jewish Federations are fortunate to partner with JDC and the Jewish Coalition for Disaster Relief (JCDR), which has been delivering humanitarian assistance to Syrian refugees and displaced people since 2013. As people in Aleppo are being evacuated, the JCDR is working to ensure that essential items like food, medicine and clean water are delivered in as quick and efficient a manner as possible. You can help support their efforts by donating here or by contacting your local Jewish Federation.”
While we have fallen short of our commitment of “Never Again,” let’s not lose sight of the promise and do our part to bring meaning back to the phrase.
