International Rescue Committee’s Post

IT IS ABOUT CHILDREN AND THEIR WORLD IN 2024  A favorite Netflix program I have been watching is Derry Girls, a serious program about the troubles in Northern Ireland in 1993, told through the often-humorous antics of several young Irish girls and one boy and their families.  It reminded me about my wife and our family's experience then hosting teens at our home in Cranford for several years who came from war-torn Belfast and Derry. There, guns were used as political weapons. The conflict split families.  The program we participated in was called Project Children. Kids come to America get out of Northern Ireland and live peacefully with families here to relearn what peace was like. While this effort didn't stop the violence in Northern Ireland it was in the right direction.  The strength of America then as reflected by President Clinton's action and words did make positive change take place despite the sadness there of lost loved ones on both sides of the violence in the senseless brutality. Northern Ireland came to terms with the conflict and the tanks and terrorism are gone.  Today, there is no question Israel had the right to respond to what was done to innocent people. There is no way to understand their pain. And there is no question innocent Palestinians, some who have lost children and parents, have their own rights to grieve and find a better life for their children. The terrorists have no rights to exist. But like in Northern Ireland, it is now time to give peace a chance. To establish the conditions and processes that protect innocent children and their families to pave a future where peace is lived. That needs to happen now in the Middle East and for that matter in Ukraine.  American leaders and people need to step up in 2024 more to ensure children’s voices are heard about their future.

Here are some ways you can pray for BHM in the upcoming season!

As I sit here in the comfort of my home, scrolling through the news and social media, I can't help but feel an overwhelming sense of helplessness. The images and stories coming out of a war-stricken country are heart-wrenching, and I wish I could do something to support the innocent people caught in the midst of this crisis. It's a stark reminder of how privileged we are in many parts of the world, where we often take safety, security, and basic human rights for granted. Meanwhile, in that war-torn nation, families are torn apart, children are traumatized, and communities are in turmoil. The feeling of helplessness can be paralyzing, but it's important to remember that even from afar, there are ways we can make a difference. Raise Awareness~Sharing the stories and images from the affected region can help raise awareness about the situation. The more people know, the greater the chance of international aid and intervention. Advocate for Peace~Engage with your government and elected representatives, urging them to support diplomatic efforts and peaceful resolutions to the conflict. Educate Yourself~Learn more about the history and root causes of the conflict. Understanding the complexities of the situation can empower you to contribute meaningfully to conversations about it. Offer Moral Support~Sometimes, sending messages of solidarity and hope to those affected by the crisis can provide a glimmer of solace. It's crucial to remember that change takes time, and the impact of our individual efforts may not be immediately visible. However, every small action adds up, and collectively, we can make a difference. Even though we might feel helpless, our empathy, compassion, and actions can be a beacon of hope for those who desperately need it in a time of crisis. May Allah SWT bless the people old and young with strength during these testing times.

Farah Silvana Kanaan Israel Targets Children T Shirt In conclusion, the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine has caused unimaginable suffering for both sides, particularly for innocent children like Farah Silvana Kanaan. The targeting of children in this conflict is a despicable act and goes against all principles of humanity. The fact that Farah had to go through multiple surgeries and endure constant pain is heartbreaking and unacceptable. The Israeli government must be held accountable for their actions and be reminded that children are not collateral damage in their pursuit for dominance. The targeting of innocent children in this conflict only perpetuates the cycle of violence and hatred, leaving scars that will never fully heal. It is crucial for the international community to step in and take action to protect the rights and well-being of children in this conflict. Children should be allowed to live their childhood without the fear of being caught in the crossfire of political disputes. It is the responsibility of all nations to condemn such acts and work towards finding a peaceful solution. Moreover, the impact of this conflict on children like Farah goes beyond physical injuries. They are left traumatized, with their mental and emotional well-being severely affected. These children are being robbed of their right to a normal childhood, and it is a tragedy that cannot be ignored. In conclusion, the case of Farah Silvana Kanaan serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of war on innocent children. It is imperative that we demand an end to the targeting of children in this conflict and fight for their right to a safe and peaceful future. Only then can we hope to break this vicious cycle of violence and create a better world for generations to come. Buy now: https://lnkd.in/equSEn3R Visit store: https://macoroo.com/ #Farah #Silvana #Kanaan #Israel #Targets #Children #T # #tshirt More Post: 1.https://https://lnkd.in/eyeMyapa 2.https://https://lnkd.in/eCC7dKJ2 3.https://https://lnkd.in/eBjbUTm5

This billboard by taxpayersforpeace.org reads: “Israel kills 3 school buses of kids daily. Our taxes fund it.” The inhumanity is unfathomable. According to Amnesty International, over the last several decades, Israel has maintained an “institutionalized and prolonged racist oppression of millions of people”. It has been condemned more than 45 times by the United Nations Human Rights Council for seizing Palestinian land, unlawful killings, forcible transfer, and the denial of basic rights to self determination. And presently, in 2024, Israel is currently indiscriminately bombing the civilian population of Gaza — 50% of whom are children. Hospitals, refugee sites, ambulances, medical workers, ALL OF IT. How ANYONE can attempt to justify this is BEYOND us. We are living in an upside down world where truth is silenced and oppression rewarded. Community is the enemy of fascism. All we have is us. To reimagine. To reconnect. To rebuild. Join us. - Community Chat: every Thurs at 12pm ET - Heal: every Tues 12pm ET (Sanctuary with Xochitl) - Learn: subscribe to our Substack for $5 a month - Connect: join our free Mighty Networks outside the algorithm.

On the International Day against the use of Child Soldiers, our hearts weigh heavy as we reflect on the countless children ensnared in conflict, their innocence stripped away, their futures uncertain. Today, we cannot overlook the harrowing reality of Crisis especially in Cameroon, where children are tragically caught in the crossfire, robbed of their childhood, and forced to bear arms instead of books. As Lead Child Africa, our mission is clear: to be the voice for the voiceless, the shield for the vulnerable, and the hope for those trapped in the cycle of violence. Crisis has inflicted untold suffering upon innocent lives, leaving scars that may never fully heal. But amidst this darkness, there shines a beacon of hope—the collective resolve to end the scourge of child soldiering. We call upon the global community to unite in solidarity and action. We must hold accountable those who exploit children as weapons of war, and we must provide unwavering support to the survivors, offering them not just aid, but dignity, healing, and a pathway to a better future. Together, let us raise our voices, amplify the cries of the oppressed, and demand justice for every child robbed of their innocence. Let us pledge to work tirelessly until the day when no child knows the horror of war, until every child can reclaim their right to childhood, and until peace reigns triumphant in every corner of the world. #ChildrenNotSoldiers #EndChildSoldiering #ActionNow

We invite you to join our partners Justice In Motion and Together Rising for a briefing on Monday, May 13th to learn more about the current landscape in family reunification directly from those doing the work and to hear how funders can support the collective effort for families to access justice and healing. Between 2017 and 2018, the U.S. government forcibly separated thousands of migrant children from their parents at the U.S.–Mexico border. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) successfully challenged the government to end its horrific “Zero Tolerance” Family Separation Policy and reunify families (Ms. L. v ICE). However, by that time, over 5,000 parents had already been separated and 1,000 of those deported without their children. The U.S. government failed to keep adequate records of the separations and had neither a plan nor the intention to locate parents and reunite them with their children. Many organizations jumped into action to do different pieces of the work to locate and reunite families, and still others have stepped in in the years since. Most of the 5,000 families originally separated have been reunified thanks to these efforts. But the work doesn’t end there. On December 8, 2023, a federal court approved a settlement agreement in the Ms. L class action lawsuit brought. Where does this leave us now? What benefits will these families have access to and what is missing? Do families have a chance at staying in the USA with their children or will some soon face deportation and possibly re-separation? Finally – and critically – how can funders support these efforts? Cathleen Caron, Executive Director of Justice in Motion, will moderate a panel, which will include: - Church World Service - Together & Free - Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) - Justice in Motion Please register here: https://lnkd.in/gNRRtnwG

Today is the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade. We honour the millions who suffered and died as a result of the transatlantic slave trade. The impact of the slave trade was felt worldwide, including in Australia. One form of exploitation in Australia was sometimes known as "blackbirding" - the recruitment of South Sea Islanders and Pacific Islanders to work on Australian sugar cane plantations. Involving deception, coercion, and forced labour, this practice saw 62,000 people brought to Australia from Pacific islands, many against their will. It leaves a painful legacy for the descendants of those who suffered. It is crucial to acknowledge this history and the ongoing impact on affected communities. Truth-telling is essential not only for healing and reconciliation but also for us to better engage with survivors of historical slavery practice. This way we can understand what the healing journey looks like and how we, as government, NGOs and civil society, can better support survivors who have suffered from slavery or intergenerational trauma from slavery practices.

Everyday those compassionate and social justice parts of me are in shock and disbelief by what Israel continues to do to the Palestinians. Crimes witnessed by UNICEF and other Aid workers who are not Palestinian but American, British, Australian and others -Crimes such as just yesterday, two men fishing with nets just getting fish for their families - not Hamas - not Terrorists just fathers and shot in the back and the neck by tanks. Displacement camps bombed. Destroying all the water wells in Northern Gaza. Stopping medicinal aid for 10,000 children that had already been trying for 13 hours to go 40 kms with at the final checkpoint refused and turned back. Some courageous Israelis are disassociating themselves from these actions by chanting "not in our name,". This then raises questions for me about the soldiers involved in such crimes. It prompts reflection on the origins and upbringing of these individuals, as well as the societal context that may perpetuate and even reward such behavior within Israel. The concern is valid that this culture of violence and oppression appears to be fostered and celebrated within certain circles in Israel. And not a minority of circles. I try to look at them compassionately but the scale of atrocities and the delight they are taking in perpetrating them makes it very difficult. I don't want to hate but they make it very difficult. The atrocities committed against Palestinians will leave a lasting mark on Israel's reputation. Israel's actions toward Palestinians will shape its legacy in the eyes of the world. Those in the world that have morals and humanity will never see Israel as a state that is moral, just and humane.

The Massachusetts Teachers Association released this disgusting opinion piece, quoting civilian death tolls from actual terrorists, putting sole blame for the humanitarian situation in Gaza on Israel, and never once even thinking, wow, maybe we should also call for the return of the innocent hostages? Just for fun, and to really show how bonkers they are, they had to throw in "Israel's intent to take over their territory." These are the people educating our children. They make stuff up, openly lack objectivity, and ignore ACTUAL MURDER, RAPE, AND HOSTAGE taking in the name of their politics. Please go out of your way to teach your children how to think for themselves, research, not believe everything they hear (especially from teachers!) and filter trash like this. https://lnkd.in/gTgjv_q9