FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 7, 2017
CONTACT: media@cwsglobal.org | 718-300-1597
CWS STATEMENT FOLLOWING U.S. AIRSTRIKES IN SYRIA
Following the first direct U.S. airstrikes against the Assad regime in Syria, Church World Service issued this statement:
“CWS is devastated by the chemical attacks and heartbreaking deaths of innocent children and adults in Syria. These horrors and the subsequent U.S. military action in Syria highlight the dire need and responsibility we have to protect refugees fleeing these very realities. This includes offering vulnerable civilians safety through resettlement. Chemical weapons, barrel bombs, indiscriminate shelling, and the terror of ISIS are what Syrian refugees have been escaping for the last six years. As the conflict in Syria now enters a new phase with increased U.S. involvement, we urge the President to expand our nation’s refugee resettlement program. We can—and must—admit more refugees fleeing these terrors. Resettlement protects lives and clearly aligns with our foreign policy goals. The CWS network of congregations, resettlement offices, volunteers, and community members stand ready and willing to help Syrians and other refugees rebuild their lives in the United States. We ask President Trump to allow us to demonstrate the best of American heart and hospitality by agreeing to resettle more refugees this year and into the future. Resettlement must be part of the solution, so that Syrians fleeing such atrocities can find safety and peace,” said Erol Kekic, Executive Director of the CWS Immigration and Refugee Program.
Since 1946, Church World Service has supported refugees, immigrants and other displaced individuals, in addition to providing sustainable relief and development solutions to communities that wrestle with hunger and poverty. Learn more about CWS’ work and join our global homebase for refugee solidarity at GreaterAs1.org.
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