In the past 24-hours, a photo of a 3-year-old boy named Aylan Kurdi has shocked the world. His body was found washed-up on the Turkish coastline. Aylan drowned in his family's attempt to find safety.
His story is unspeakably tragic. And his story is too common.
Over 11 million Syrians, just like Aylan and his family, have been forced to flee their homes due to violence and persecution. Many of these people have had no option but to put their lives at risk again and again in an attempt to reach a country that will provide refuge and protection.
As Americans and as Jews we call on our government to take action in the midst of this crisis. Now is not a time for "business as usual;" this is a moment for leadership.
With your help, we can deliver a strong message that the U.S. must commit to resettle many more of the most vulnerable Syrian refugees into the United States, and to provide much more humanitarian assistance to refugees in the Middle East so they no longer feel compelled to flee a second time. And above all, the United States must show leadership within the international community and make the resolution of the crisis in Syria a top foreign policy priority.
We are a nation with a proud history of offering protection to refugees. In fact, the story of many American Jewish families is one of fleeing persecution and war in order to be able to rebuild their lives in the United States. And in this new moment, as the greatest humanitarian crisis of our generation unfolds, the United States cannot simply sit on the sidelines.
Sincerely,
Mark Hetfield
President & CEO
P.S. After you've signed the petition, please listen to my interview about the Syrian refugee crisis on NPR's "All Things Considered".
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