American Jewish Committee Fact-Finding Mission To Albania For High-Level Talks And Relief Effort

American Jewish Committee
Tuesday, 13 April 1999

A nine-member American Jewish Committee delegation, led by AJC President Bruce M. Ramer, will travel to Albania next week for meetings with government officials and to visit refugee sites. The AJC leaders will be also bring with them medical supplies that have been donated by pharmaceutical companies.

The AJC group will leave for Albania on Sunday, April 18 and return to the United States on Thursday, April 22.

In an effort to ease the suffering of Kosovo refugees, AJC immediately contributed $25,000 to the International Rescue Committee which is operating on the ground to help the victims of Yugoslav violence. AJC has since raised more than $250,000 for its Kosovo Relief Fund, to be distributed to appropriate aid agencies. In addition, AJC will begin running advertisements in national and international newspapers, beginning on Friday, April 16, in the International Herald Tribune, and Sunday, April 18, in The New York Times, to applaud NATO's action and urge perseverance.

"History has taught us the painful lesson of what happens when good people sit by and do nothing when madmen rise up to terrorize civilian populations," said Mr. Ramer. "Financial support during these horrendous times is critically important and we're pleased to be able to do our part. But equally important is human solidarity; making sure that the innocent victims of this carnage know they are not alone in their suffering, know that the world sees what is happening to them, and is ready to stand up for their human rights and human dignity. That is why we are going on this mission. To do less belittles us as Americans and as Jews."

For more information, or to contact American Jewish Committee, see their website at: www.ajc.org