Global Justice Awaits Our Action

Over the past six months I have been privileged to participate in the American Jewish World Service (AJWS) Global Justice Fellowship program for rabbis. This program brings together a diverse trans-denominational cohort of rabbis to educate them about global issues of concern and equip them (us) to become effective advocates. As part of this program I will participate in AJWS’s Wellstone Organizing Training in February as well as the AJWS Advocacy Conference in Washington, D.C. in May. The program will culminate with a trip to Guatemala next summer to learn from AJWS partners in that country. In addition to the personal fulfillment I derive from learning with my colleagues in the program, my understanding of, and commitment to, global justice has deepened. It is my hope to identify ways WRJ can partner more closely with AJWS to pursue this work. WRJ has always advocated for the rights of women and girls around the world. We endorsed the Millennium Development Goals and are working with others as an NGO at the United Nations on issues of global concern. But there is so much more we could do to advance this work, and I call on you to join me in these efforts. The current focus of AJWS’s advocacy is its We Believe Campaign, which is comprised of three primary goals: Stop violence against women and girls: It is estimated that around the world, one in three women will be abused, beaten, or forced into sexual relations. WRJ has joined with others to call for passage of the International Violence Against Women Act (I-VAWA) to put the full power of the U.S. government behind efforts to end this cycle of violence. If you have not already done so, please sign the petition calling for passage of IVAWA. Empowering girls to end child marriage: We have been horrified by reports from around the world of the millions of girls who are forced into early marriages, making them more likely to drop out of school, live in poverty, and experience gender-based violence. Addressing the health issues that come from early childbirth was the focus of WRJ’s fistula project. Stop hate crimes against LGBT people: WRJ takes pride in having led the Reform Movement in speaking out about the rights of LGBT people decades ago. Our ongoing advocacy has resulted in many accomplishments in recent years, yet at the international level much more needs to be done. Homosexuality is illegal and punishable by prison, or even death, in 77 countries around the world. Nearly a year ago I shared my experience demonstrating at the Ugandan consulate to oppose their draconian anti-homosexuality law. As a result of such advocacy taking place around the world, that law has since been overturned by the Ugandan courts. Today we have yet another opportunity to join with other advocates on behalf of LGBT people around the world. The International Human Rights Defense Act faces an uphill battle in Congress; this important legislation would make the rights of LGBT people a foreign policy priority. While the legislation languishes, President Obama has the authority to implement one of its provisions through executive power: the appointment of a Special Envoy on the Human Rights of LGBT Peoples. Please join me in calling on President Obama to do appoint a Special Envoy on Human Rights of LGBT Peoples now. As we celebrate our own good fortune during the Thanksgiving holiday, let us turn our thoughts to those around the world who are vulnerable and at risk: the girls who risk their lives for an education, the women who endure violence and brutality daily, and the members of the LGBT community who face prison or death just because of who they love. Our advocacy can make a difference in their lives. Global justice awaits our action.