Saperstein and Lewis Arrested in Darfur Protest

Today Rabbi Saperstein joined Representatives John Lewis (D-GA), Lynn Woolsey (D-CA), Keith Ellison (D-MN), Donna Edwards (D-MD) and Jim McGovern (D-MA), as well as Jerry Fowler, Executive Director of Save Darfur and John Prendergast, Co-founder of the Enough Project, in civil disobedience to protest the ongoing suffering in Darfur, exacerbated by President Bashir's expulsion of over a dozen aid agencies from the region earlier this month. The group was arrested for their act of civil disobedience at the Sudanese embassy, and they were taken away by police just a few hours ago. Read Rabbi Saperstein's statement here.

Video after the jump!

It was really exciting to see such leaders stand up for something they believe in, and very inspirational to see them go to such great lengths to draw attention to the increasingly dire situation. CNN has already reported on their direct action, as has the Washington Post, and you can check out photos from the event here.

Many of us have participated in similar demonstrations at the Sudanese embassy or elsewhere around the country, and it is our duty to ensure that the attention these garner are followed by an effective response from international leaders. On April 29th, Day 100 of President Obama's tenure, STAND, GI-Net, Save Darfur and ENOUGH are joining together to use any means available - letters, faxes, videos, even tweets - to thank the President for his commitments, and to ask him to form a global movement to restore aid to Sudan, bolster UNAMID and work to discover the next steps he can take to save lives in Sudan. At Rac.org/Darfur, find resources, like a service insert, to help move your congregation towards action. Also checkout Save Darfur's Genocide Prevention Month resources to call for Vice-President Biden's words to become a reality! Together, we have done much to live up to our commitment to never again let genocide happen, and yet, we cannot stop now.

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