Action: Sponsors Sought for U.S. Citizens to be Evacuated from Gaza

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 1/12/2009) – CAIR today issued a call for American sponsors willing to assist families of U.S. citizens who may be evacuated this week from the Gaza Strip.

SEE: U.S. Preparing Evacuation of 150 Americans

State Department officials tell CAIR that some of the almost 150 potential evacuees do not have family members in the United States.A number of those seeking evacuation are non-citizen parents of young American-born children. CAIR is calling on individuals and relief groups to offer support. Potential sponsors would have to provide all the needs of evacuees for a period of six months, demonstrate financial ability and submit an I-134 “Affidavit of Support” form.

CAIR has been seeking State Department assistance in evacuating two American children, ages six and three, along with all the other Americans in Gaza. The father of the two children said bullets fired from an Israeli tank hit the family home in Beit Hanoun on Saturday. He said his brother’s nearby two-story home was destroyed today by the Israelis.

The death toll from Israeli attacks on Gaza has topped 900, with many women and children among the dead and more than 4000 injured. In its attacks, Israel has denied access to wounded civilians and has targeted homes, schools, mosques, universities, medical and United Nations personnel, a hospital, and a church. A leading human rights group has accused Israel of using white-phosphorus munitions in its attacks on civilian areas.

SEE: 1 Dead, Dozens Injured in Gaza by Suspected White Phosphorus Munitions
SEE ALSO: Gaza War Comparable to Sabra and Shatila Massacre: Medics (AFP)
Israeli Missile Reduces Church-Backed Hospital to Rubble

The United Nations’ top human rights official said Friday that the Israeli military may have committed war crimes in Gaza.

SEE: UN Human Rights Chief Accuses Israel of War Crimes
SEE ALSO: Gaza “No Place for Civilians”: ICRC (Reuters)
UN Human Rights Council Condemns Israeli Military Action

ACTION REQUESTED:

Potential sponsors must be willing to provide all of the needs of the evacuees for a period of six months. Sponsors would also have to demonstrate the financial ability to sponsor and submit an I-134 “Affidavit of Support” form.

Those who are willing to meet these strict requirements should send an e-mail to:[email protected]

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