On Tuesday, Rep. Betty McCollum introduced H.R. 4391, Promoting Human Rights by Ending Israeli Military Detention of Palestinian Children Act.

Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) strongly endorses Rep. Betty McCollum’s Promoting Human Rights by Ending Israeli Military Detention of Palestinian Children Act. In order for the U.S. to play a constructive role in bringing about a comprehensive and sustainable end to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, we must ensure we are not supporting the continued trauma inflicted on Palestinian youth entangled in the Israeli military detention system.

Protection of children is an integral part of our Christian faith. H.R. 4391 requires the Secretary of State to certify that U.S. assistance to the government of Israel does not support Israel’s military detention, interrogation, abuse, or ill-treatment of Palestinian children. This legislation leaves current financial assistance to the Government of Israel in place and does not adjust or cut financial assistance already committed to Israel by the United States. The focus of the bill is on certification and reporting in order to enhance transparency regarding financial assistance to Israel.

“Peace can only be achieved by respecting human rights, especially the rights of children. Congress must not turn a blind eye the unjust and ongoing mistreatment of Palestinian children living under Israeli occupation,” said Rep. McCollum.

CMEP is also concerned about Palestinian children arrested and detained by the Palestinian Authority (PA). Executive Director of Churches for Middle East Peace, Rev. Dr. Mae Elise Cannon said, “CMEP cares deeply about the wellbeing of Palestinian, Israeli, and all children around the world. Neither I nor the organization I represent condone acts of violence. We expect children to be treated with human dignity regardless of their guilt or innocence.”

Formed in 1984, Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) is a coalition of 27 national church denominations and organizations, including Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, and Evangelical traditions that works to encourage US policies that actively promote a comprehensive resolution to conflicts in the Middle East with a focus on the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict. CMEP works to mobilize US Christians to embrace a holistic perspective and to be advocates of equality, human rights, security, and justice for Israelis, Palestinians, and all people of the Middle East.

Contact:
Jessica Pollock-Kim
info@cmep.org
Ph. 202-543-1222
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