July 10, 2008
1-2-3 Done!
Much has been written and debated since mid-May when it comes to the tragic situation in Postville, Iowa where a federal raid led to the arrest of several hundred illegal workers in the Agriprocessors meat-packing plant. We have followed many news releases and spoken directly to some of those who are directly involved in the aftermath of the raid.
Despite the obvious disagreements about who is responsible and why this has happened, one fact cannot be denied-this is a human tragedy and many men, women and particularly innocent children have suffered (in ways that are extraordinarily harsh).
The Good People Fund was committed to helping these people…the question that loomed was how we could help in a way that was direct and would have the greatest impact. It was only through the help of our board member, Peter Freimark, (see diary entry of May 26 to learn of Peter’s other efforts on behalf of people who are in need) who made contact with the people at St. Bridget’s Church that we discovered a possible need that we could meet. St. Bridget’s, the local Catholic church in this tiny town became a refuge for the families whose husbands or wives (or even children) were arrested and taken away during the raid. With no income while waiting for trials and eventual possible deportation, many people have been left in what can only be described as dire straits. St. Bridget’s and other local churches and agencies have been pressed into service well beyond what they could normally handle. A truckload of food and grocery items for their pantry would be a welcome source of support.
Our friend Joe Lordi who has been running the Youngstown, Ohio-based Gleaner’s Food Bank for many years graciously donated food that filled a 53′ trailer. Peter’s synagogue, Temple Israel-Ner Tamid in Mayfield Heights, OH shared the shipping costs and yesterday morning, Peter and Joe loaded 24 pallets of food and grocery items onto the truck which immediately left for Postville. By 2pm today, we received word that the truck had arrived and was being unloaded!
1-2-3 done! Hungry people will be fed.
The Postville situation has many complexities and addresses serious issues within our society. We offer the following links to a few of the more thoughtful and informative articles we have seen. Please take a few minutes to read them.
The Young Victims of Iowa ICE Raids:
http://news.newamericamedia.org/news/view_article.html?article_id=b3562e0069bc618cd178f8fb06c8473c
