Letter
USCCB-CRS Letter to Senators Corker and Cardin on Assistance to the West Bank and Gaza, July 10, 2017
USCCB-CRS Letter to Senators Corker and Cardin on S474, signed by Bishop Oscar Cantu, Chairman, Committee on International Justice and Peace and Sean Callahan, President & CEO, Catholic Relief Services, July 10, 2017
As Chair of the Committee on International Justice and Peace of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and President/CEO of Catholic Relief Services (CRS), we support the purpose, but are concerned about the unintended consequences, of S. 474, a bill to condition assistance to the West Bank and Gaza on steps by the Palestinian Authority to end violence and terrorism against Israeli citizens. We fear S. 474 could dramatically curtail vital assistance and exacerbate tensions, and urge that it be amended to exempt important humanitarian work.
The goal of the legislation is laudable – to end violence and terrorism. For decades, USCCB and CRS have condemned acts of terrorism and violence, and have called for a two-state solution to the conflict: a secure and recognized Israel living in peace with a viable and independent Palestine.
U.S. assistance to the West Bank and Gaza provides critically needed humanitarian and development aid that reduces desperation, undercuts the lure of extremism, and builds capacity for peace. Much of it is administered by U.S. based non-governmental agencies. CRS uses U.S. government funds, in conjunction with private donations, to strengthen the economic, civic and environmental foundations for a viable Palestinian state alongside Israel, and to respond to humanitarian crises.