American Jewish World Service Congratulates Burma's Aung San Suu Kyi on Congressional Gold Medal

NEW YORK, Sept. 19, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Ruth Messinger, president of the international development and human rights organization, American Jewish World Service (AJWS), today issued the following statement congratulating the leader of Burma's democratic opposition, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, on winning the Congressional Gold Medal:

"Aung San Suu Kyi's fearless dedication to democracy and human rights for the people of Burma makes her most worthy of this honor from the US Congress. Her tremendous leadership over more than two decades has brought Burma closer to ushering in an era of peace and national reconciliation that its people so desperately deserve.

"American Jewish World Service is inspired by Aung San Suu Kyi's commitment to ensure that Burma will become a vibrant multi-ethnic civil society where all of Burma's people can achieve their full rights."

AJWS began funding grassroots organizations fighting for human rights in Burma in 2002. Today, AJWS funds 30 organizations working to empower marginalized ethnic minorities and promote gender equality in Burma. To learn more about AJWS's work in Burma, read its new case study, "The Story of Our Impact: Supporting the Movement for a Free and Democratic Burma." 

American Jewish World Service
Inspired by Judaism's commitment to justice, American Jewish World Service works to realize human rights and end poverty in the developing world. www.ajws.org

SOURCE American Jewish World Service