A week of action to make ‘Never Again’ a reality

Jill Savitt

by Jill Savitt
Special to the NJJN

April 10, 2008

Sidebar

Call to action

On Passover, Jews around the world will commemorate our people’s historic persecution and exodus. Next week, Jews and those of other faiths in New Jersey will have a chance to do the same on behalf of the people suffering now in Darfur, when the NJ Coalition Responds to the Crisis in Darfur initiates a series of actions across the state as part of an international global day of action on this ravaged African region.

The Jewish community has been in the forefront of calling for the end of genocide in Darfur. Over the past 60 years, Jewish leaders and organizations around the world have been among those leading the effort to develop the human rights treaties and obligations to protect human dignity and to promote justice, fairness, and equality.

Speaking out against the genocide in Darfur is a Jewish value.

The Jewish experience of slavery and genocide calls for reflection on the genocide that rages in Darfur today — the first genocide of the 21st century, now in its sixth year. During the Holocaust world leaders did not or refused to believe what was going on in the camps. The genocide in Darfur is happening for all to see. It is perhaps the most widely exposed genocide ever.

Human security in Darfur and eastern Chad continues to deteriorate as 4.7 million human beings face ongoing threats of violence, malnutrition, and disease. The world’s largest and most endangered humanitarian operation continues its critical work amid unacceptably dangerous conditions. After six years there is still no meaningful protection on the ground for these vulnerable populations.

And yet it somehow continues. We must make it stop.

In the near term, the best course to achieve immediate security on the ground for Darfur and the victims of the Sudanese-backed gunmen is to focus on the government of China. China has unrivaled leverage with the regime in Sudan, and Beijing could use this influence to press its business partners to allow a protective force into Darfur.

Khartoum’s insistence on an all-African protective force obstructs this process, despite the clear and unanimous decision of the United Nations to deploy a hybrid force under UN command.

What would have happened if Adolf Hitler had been allowed to choose the troops who came to liberate Jews? Would he have selected the Allied forces? Similarly, Khartoum should not be allowed to choose which troops are allowed to protect the people the regime is itself attacking.

China advocates for Khartoum at the United Nations. No country has done more to support the regime in Khartoum than the People’s Republic of China. No country has offered more diplomatic support or done more to provide money to buy the weaponry that fuels the engine of genocide. And no country has done more to insulate Khartoum from economic pressure or human rights accountability.

But the fact that China is hosting the 2008 Olympics creates an opportunity. Beijing hopes to celebrate itself as an international leader — and so is vulnerable about its image.

Here is what China must do:

  • Immediately provide half of the transport helicopters required by UNAMID, the African Union/United Nations hybrid operation in Darfur, with support from Europe and the United States for maintenance and contracting arrangements.
  • Support punitive measures, such as UN Security Council-targeted sanctions, against Khartoum officials until peace and security for Darfur is achieved. UN-targeted sanctions should be imposed immediately against government, rebel, or militia officials who are responsible for undermining UNAMID’s deployment, a North-South peace deal, or regional stability, such as attempting to overthrow the government in neighboring Chad.
  • Verifiably suspend all military cooperation with the Khartoum regime, including weapons transfers, until peace and security for Darfur is achieved.

Until this happens, citizens around the world should call on leaders to skip the opening ceremonies of the Olympic Games. Beijing must not be able to celebrate while abetting mass atrocities.

Here’s how you can get involved:

  • Join the NJ coalition’s events on April 13.
  • Pledge to miss the opening ceremonies of the Olympic Games unless a protective force is in Darfur before the Games begin. Go to www.dreamfordarfur.org to sign a petition.
  • Tell President Bush to skip the opening ceremonies in Beijing unless the full protective force is deployed. Call the White House at 202-456-1111.

It is everyone’s responsibility to make “Never Again” a reality. As Passover nears, let’s remember the lessons of past genocides and act to end the horror the men and women and children in Darfur are living — and dying — right now.

Jill Savitt is executive director of Dream for Darfur.

The New Jersey Coalition Responds to the Crisis in Darfur sponsors NJ Global Day for Darfur on Sunday, April 13, calling for local community advocacy and the observance of a Darfur Sabbath during the weekend of April 10-13. At least nine religious organizations are hosting an observance and eight community initiatives are being planned.

Highlights:

Torch Walk and Rally for Darfur — Grassroots organizations cosponsor the April 13 event from 2 to 4 p.m. at Montclair High School. Gov. Jon Corzine and U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez will address the rally.

Web site — The New Jersey Coalition Responds to the Crisis in Darfur is launching a Web site related to statewide advocacy on Darfur and action steps needed to end the genocide. Visit the site to learn more about bringing peace to Darfur and participating in local advocacy initiatives.