USCCB committee criticizes proposal to cut Palestinian aid

December 04, 2012

The chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on International Justice and Peace is urging senators not to cut aid to Palestinians.

“Recent reports have indicated that Congress may consider legislation that seeks to ‘punish’ Palestinians for achieving a higher status at the United Nations,” Bishop Richard Pates of Des Moines wrote following legislation introduced by Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Charles Schumer (D-NY), John Barrasso (R-WY), and Robert Menendez (D-NJ).

“Such legislation would not be consistent with U.S. efforts to seek a just and lasting peace in the Holy Land; it would distract and detract from this goal,” Bishop Pates continued. “Assistance to Palestinians, already heavily conditioned, is essential for humanitarian purposes and for building capacity for a future Palestinian state. Cutting aid will only harm the peace process. This is not in the interests of either Israelis or Palestinians who long for peace.”

Bishop Pates also quoted from the recent statement of the Holy See that welcomed UN recognition of Palestine and reiterated Pope Benedict’s call for peace in the troubled region.

 

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Further information:

• Bishop Pates to Congress: Cutting Palestinian Aid Will Harm Peace Process (USCCB)
• Full text of letter (USCCB)
• Graham-Schumer-Barrasso-Menendez Take Tough Line against Palestine Bid at United Nations (Sen. Charles E. Schumer)
• Holy See welcomes UN recognition of Palestine (CWN, 11/30)