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UMCOR needs funds for Middle East crisis
 July 26, 2006
By Elliott Wright*
NEW YORK (UMNS) — The United Methodist Committee on Relief has issued an
urgent appeal for funds to assist civilians caught in the renewed
fighting in the Middle East.
“Our funds for Middle East emergencies are painfully low,” said the
Rev. Paul Dirdak, UMCOR’s chief executive, on July 25. “As Christians
and as a denomination, we need to equip ourselves to do our part in
responding to humanitarian needs in this tragic situation.”
Contributions should go to the Middle East Emergency Fund, No.601740,
of the Advance for Christ and His Church, the United Methodist
designated mission giving fund.
This general fund allows UMCOR to respond to civilian needs on any front in the confrontation, Dirdak said.
“We are concerned for all civilians in this ongoing crisis,” he
explained. “We have a number of options for channeling assistance into
Lebanon, Gaza and Israel. We are deeply involved in the dialogue among
humanitarian groups as to how to best respond to the emergency.
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The Rev. Paul Dirdak |
“We can do very little unless the United Methodist people are, yet
again, willing to dig deep into their pockets for dollars that can
translate prayers into action,” he said.
A small contribution of $5,000 has been sent from general UMCOR funds
for emergency aid in Lebanon. Another $20,000 grant is in the emergency
approval process.
UMCOR has years of experience in working with refugees in the Middle
East and in assisting families and individuals affected by periodic wars
there. It has several partners with which it can work in Lebanon, Gaza
and the West Bank. In Israel, the agency relies on United Methodist
missionaries to identify clinics and other facilities serving those in
greatest need.
“The humanitarian aid of the United Methodist Church knows no
political or national boundaries,” Dirdak said. “In recent weeks, we
have been concerned with families in Gaza affected by Israel bombing.
Now we are also concerned about civilians in Lebanon and about civilians
in Israel whose lives are being torn apart by the military action.”
The latest round of violence began two weeks ago with the abductions
of two Israeli soldiers and the killings of eight others by the
Hezbollah militant group, operating out of Lebanon. Israel responded
with an attack on southern Lebanon. The violence on both sides has
resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Lebanese and Israeli civilians
while displacing more than a half-million Lebanese, according to news
reports.
Checks may be written to UMCOR, designated for “Middle East Emergency
Fund,” Advance No. 601740, and placed in church collection plates or
mailed directly to: UMCOR, P.O. Box 9068, New York, NY 10087-9068.
Credit-card donations may be made by calling (800) 554-8583. Online
donations can be made at http://secure.gbgm-umc.org/donations/donate.cfm?code=601740&id=30. One hundred percent of the contribution goes to the Advance ministry indicated.
*Wright is the information officer for the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries.
News media contact: Linda Bloom, New York, (646) 369-3759 or newsdesk@umcom.org.
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