Yesterday, the Pastors for Peace US/Cuba Friendshipment Caravan crossed the US/Mexico border on its way to Cuba. In its 22nd year, the goal of the Caravan is to deliver 100 tons of humanitarian aid and defy the US trade and travel blockade against Cuba.

Unfortunately, upon arrival at the US/Mexico border, U.S. border agents confiscated seven computers intended as humanitarian gifts for hospitals and schools. Among these computers were other supplies such as pencils, notebooks, medications, portable solar panels, and more.

Although the Caravan is continuing on with the remaining 100 tons of aid to Cuba, we ask that you take a stand against the seizure and criminal blockade of these humanitarian supplies, and support the Pastors for Peace Friendshipment Caravan to Cuba!

Call your senators, congressional representatives, and the White House to demand that the US government return the seven computers immediately and end the blockade and travel ban on Cuba now!

Dear President Obama,

It’s been brought to my attention today that a humanitarian caravan by “Pastors for Peace” destined for Cuba has encountered interference at the U.S.-Mexican border by U.S. border agents. Though part of the donated goods was allowed to proceed, computers apparently were confiscated. I am writing to request your intervention to direct the border agents to release at once the confiscated humanitarian aid so that the Cuban people may receive it.

Regretfully, the U.S.-based “Pastors for Peace” effort, now in its 22nd year, is made necessary by the onerous U.S.-initiated economic blockade of the Cuban island – the longest such blockade in modern history. During your campaign leading up to your historic election victory, you committed to improving relations between the United States and Cuba. The sooner you fulfill your promise to the American people, the sooner the Cuban people will no longer be in need of humanitarian aid from citizens of the U.S. Until such time, please direct the U.S. border agents to not interfere with what is, after all, peace-driven aid for the Cuban people.

Sincerely,

We, at Global Exchange, fully support the 20 year Pastors for Peace Friendshipment Caravan to Cuba, and strongly urge everyone to show their support by clicking the above links to your senators, congressional representatives, and President Obama, to let our voices be heard that seizing this needed humanitarian aid is absolutely not acceptable.

For updates check www.pastorsforpeace.org and www.facebook.com/pastorsforpeace

photo credit: Pastors for Peace