Nearly 500 rabbis have urged President Barack Obama to name a new special envoy to Sudan, saying the work there is not yet complete.
The rabbis’ May 24 letter was initiated by Ruth Messinger, president of American Jewish World Service, and Rabbi Steve Gutow, president of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs. It was signed by 492 U.S. rabbis from several movements.
It calls for the appointment of a high-level special envoy, increased humanitarian access for Sudanese people in need and a U.S. policy to help in the country’s democratic transformation.
Princeton Lyman, the most recent envoy, stepped down in March. Envoys in recent years have helped broker the creation of the new nation of South Sudan, as well as the shaky peace in Darfur province. The Jewish community has been active in fighting violence and human rights abuses in Darfur, and joined with other faith communities to form the Save Darfur organization. — jta