USCCB committee criticizes proposal to cut Palestinian aid
December 04, 2012
Free eBook:
Free eBook: Liturgical Year 2023-2024, Vol. 4 |
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.
For all current news, visit our News home page.
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)
All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a current donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!
-
Posted by: Defender -
Dec. 04, 2012 2:08 PM ET USA
Let's not forget that Arafat and his cousin (and Hitler's friend) the Grand Mufti all resorted to violence and the killing of hundreds of innocent people. Sure, let's reward the Arabs who tried numerous times to eradicate Israel by war and create a Palestinian state (with no Arab state wanted to give up land for). Of course, we need to overlook the fact that they still lob rockets where they may and the Palistinian Brotherhood (et al) are just misunderstood and they need US money for arms.