Philly raises $23,000 for deportees from Saudi Arabia

The check was handed over to Maria Moreno of USAIM IOM who is flanked [from left]by Safi Aden, Girmaye Jiru, Bellew Asfa, Negash Gebrehiwot and [on the right] Habtam Getahun, Getachew Workie and Addisu Habte.

Protests erupted in 2013 in Ethiopian communities around the world when news broke out that the Saudi regime was deporting Ethiopians under very appalling conditions, violating the rights of migrant workers, even if undocumented.

By December 7, 2013, at least 130,000 Ethiopians were sent back to Ethiopia, thanks to the selfless services rendered by IOM. It is in gratitude of this spirit that the Ethiopians in Philadelphia, very few in number, raised $23,000 and earned the title: “A small community with a big heart.”

As you may be well aware, hundreds of thousands of Ethiopian migrants were displaced unjustly from Saudi Arabia in recent weeks. Although many of these migrants were returned to Ethiopia, several hundreds more are still scattered throughout the Middle East primarily in Saudi Arabia and Yemen. Almost all of these migrants including the ones returned to Ethiopia are suffering from lack of basic needs such as shelter, food, and closings. Many are unable to support themselves and their families.

It is to be remembered that Ethiopians all over the world were mobilized to defend the human rights of these Ethiopians and were able to stop the violence that was being committed on them. While the worldwide mass movement of Ethiopians to stand for the rights of our fellow Ethiopians was a remarkable act and was able to stop the violence, it is equally important to support these displaced people and their families by meeting their immediate needs and provide them with sustainable solutions towards making theme productive citizens in their homeland.

The Global Alliance for the rights of Ethiopians in Saudi Arabia (GAFRESA) was established by concerned patriotic Ethiopians around the world for this noble cause. The Global Alliance has been campaigning in various cities around the world to raise funds from Ethiopian communities and friends of Ethiopia’s. The Alliance has been working in collaboration with International Humanitarian Organizations such as the International Organization of Migrants (IOM) in order to reach out and help these displaced Ethiopians wherever they may be. So far the Alliance has raised over $60,000. This amount was donated to the IOM office in Washington DC in two installments of $30,000 and $32,000 in December 2013 and January 2014.

While this unprecedented act of humanitarian gesture by Ethiopians is encouraging, it is far too small compared to the level of support these hundreds of thousands of displaced Ethiopians need. The Alliance has continuing its effort to raise additional funds to be able to meet the dire needs of these Ethiopians.

In relation to this effort the Washington Metropolitan area network of the Global Alliance is planning to hold a fund raising event in Washington DC, scheduled for Sunday Feb. 16, 2014. The event is planned to draw participants from around the greater metropolitan area and possibly from the eastern coast of the USA.

We believe that it is of paramount importance for Ethiopians to stand together in times of our people’s sufferings. Every Ethiopian and friends of Ethiopia are cordially invited to come and participate at this event for a noble cause.

The event could also be an appropriate opportunity to deliver any funds raised by various groups in the Washington DC region for the purpose of supporting Saudi victims to the GAFRESA.

If you, for one reason or another can’t join the program, you can give a check or money order by calling a number provided below. Your contribution will be recognized at the event as well as a written confirmation will be mailed to your address.

Checks or money orders should be payable to “GLOBAL ALLIANCE FOR THE RIGHTS OF ETHIOPIANS”

If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions regarding this fund raising campaign, you can reach the organizers in any one of the following ways: