Emergency Relief for Families in Tigray (Ethiopia)
Donation protected
Dear Friends,
We are writing this appeal on behalf of our dear friend and brother Luel Zeray, whom many of us have gotten to know in recent years. Luel is a very talented interpreter of Ethiopian Sign Language (and other languages such as Amharic & Tigrinya) and has been a dedicated volunteer assisting Deaf persons and communities throughout Ethiopia for many years. He has a radiant smile, a great sense of humor, a strong commitment to service and a brilliant mind.
Unfortunately, Luel's family back in Tigray has been suffering for many months now on account of the conflict that has been raging in that part of the country for more than 200 days now. Countless thousands of civilians have already lost their lives, and millions more have been driven to the brink of despair. Luel's family (including parents, sisters, brothers, nieces and nephews) is in need of emergency relief support, and we are appealing to all of you -- Luel's friends around the world and other well-wishers who are deeply concerned about what is happening in Tigray today -- to give what you can so that we can support them in their time of extreme need and hardship.
Specifically, we are hoping to send 15,000 Ethiopian birr (approximately USD $350) for each of the 5 families that comprise Luel's family in the affected areas. These funds will help to provide emergency food relief, clothing, medicine and other basic living supplies. Any funds we raise in excess of this, we can use to support other families in their communities.
As friends who have known Luel for many years and know what a deeply sincere and honest person he is, we are confident in vouching personally for the delivery of this relief. Please help by giving what you can (no amount is too small!!) and helping to spread the word. Thank you.
With gratitude,
Greg Buie (California)
Willie White (Ireland)
Maria Gillin (New York)
---
ABOUT THE CONFLICT
This ongoing conflict has displaced millions internally, with another 62,000 people fleeing the country altogether and seeking shelter in neighboring Sudan. According to World Vision, "Extreme violence and abuse; looting; food shortages; destruction of hospitals, clinics, buildings, and schools; and closure of banks are driving vulnerable families to flee war-torn Tigray for safer Amhara and Afar regions, or to neighboring Sudan."
The U.N. is currently investigating potential war crimes, including claims of rampant and indiscriminate murder and sexual violence as tools of oppression and genocide. U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet has stated, “Deeply distressing reports of sexual and gender-based violence, extrajudicial killings, widespread destruction and looting of public and private property by all parties continue to be shared with us, as well as reports of continued fighting in central Tigray in particular.”
To learn more about the situation in Tigray, you can also check out Amnesty International's page about the conflict: AMNESTY TIGRAY REPORT
We are writing this appeal on behalf of our dear friend and brother Luel Zeray, whom many of us have gotten to know in recent years. Luel is a very talented interpreter of Ethiopian Sign Language (and other languages such as Amharic & Tigrinya) and has been a dedicated volunteer assisting Deaf persons and communities throughout Ethiopia for many years. He has a radiant smile, a great sense of humor, a strong commitment to service and a brilliant mind.
Unfortunately, Luel's family back in Tigray has been suffering for many months now on account of the conflict that has been raging in that part of the country for more than 200 days now. Countless thousands of civilians have already lost their lives, and millions more have been driven to the brink of despair. Luel's family (including parents, sisters, brothers, nieces and nephews) is in need of emergency relief support, and we are appealing to all of you -- Luel's friends around the world and other well-wishers who are deeply concerned about what is happening in Tigray today -- to give what you can so that we can support them in their time of extreme need and hardship.
Specifically, we are hoping to send 15,000 Ethiopian birr (approximately USD $350) for each of the 5 families that comprise Luel's family in the affected areas. These funds will help to provide emergency food relief, clothing, medicine and other basic living supplies. Any funds we raise in excess of this, we can use to support other families in their communities.
As friends who have known Luel for many years and know what a deeply sincere and honest person he is, we are confident in vouching personally for the delivery of this relief. Please help by giving what you can (no amount is too small!!) and helping to spread the word. Thank you.
With gratitude,
Greg Buie (California)
Willie White (Ireland)
Maria Gillin (New York)
---
ABOUT THE CONFLICT
This ongoing conflict has displaced millions internally, with another 62,000 people fleeing the country altogether and seeking shelter in neighboring Sudan. According to World Vision, "Extreme violence and abuse; looting; food shortages; destruction of hospitals, clinics, buildings, and schools; and closure of banks are driving vulnerable families to flee war-torn Tigray for safer Amhara and Afar regions, or to neighboring Sudan."
The U.N. is currently investigating potential war crimes, including claims of rampant and indiscriminate murder and sexual violence as tools of oppression and genocide. U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet has stated, “Deeply distressing reports of sexual and gender-based violence, extrajudicial killings, widespread destruction and looting of public and private property by all parties continue to be shared with us, as well as reports of continued fighting in central Tigray in particular.”
To learn more about the situation in Tigray, you can also check out Amnesty International's page about the conflict: AMNESTY TIGRAY REPORT
Co-organizers (3)
Greg Taylor Buie
Organizer
Santa Ana, CA
Maria Gillin
Co-organizer
Willie White
Co-organizer