Letter to the editor of L.A. Times (Unpublished)

by Janice Kamenir-Reznik

The importance of shedding a light on the violence being wrought on the civilian population of the Democratic Republic of Congo by the Lord’s Resistance Army cannot be understated (“Shutting Down the Lord’s Resistence Army” April 5, 2010). The LRA is only one of many militias wreaking havoc on the population of Congo. Unless and until the people of conscience in the world affirm their unwillingness to ignore these wanton violations of innocent people’s basic human rights to be free of slavery, of rape and of murderous militias and governments, tens of thousands will remained enslaved and hundreds of thousands of innocents will continue to die. The human toll in Congo over the last decade is approaching 6 million and only now is the Western press beginning to report the story…and only in very small doses. The LA Times correctly states that only “a modicum of sustained political will could rout the rebels…” But, tragically, the number of people that care has not yet reached even a pitiful “modicum”. The suggestion is made that the US Senate unanimously pass the LRA Disarmament and Northern Uganda Recovery Act. There is also the Conflict Minerals Trade Act pending in the US Congress. These Acts would be a good start on the long journey to saving lives in Congo and restoring Congo’s rich resources back to its rightful owners—the people of the Congo. After the holocaust the world agreed “Never Again”; but it happens again and again. Now is the time to build that modicum of sustained political will. If not now, when? And if not us, then whom?

Janice Kamenir-Reznik,

Co-Founder and President
Jewish World Watch