Please see the letter written by the National Network On Cuba that follows; we have also sent the identical letter to Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew and urge all who read this to write letters as requested by IFCO.
National Network on Cuba
PO Box 22455
Oakland CA 94609
IRS Commissioner John Koskinen
Large Business and International Division
Attn: SE: LB
1111 Constitution Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20224
October 3, 2015
Dear Commissioner Koskinen:
The National Network On Cuba asks you to drop all efforts to revoke the 501c3 status of IFCO/Pastors for Peace.
The National Network on Cuba (NNOC) is the umbrella group for dozens of organizations throughout the United States that have been working for years to normalize relations with Cuba, end the travel ban and economic blockade while respecting Cuban sovereignty. A member group is IFCO/Pastors for Peace; Interreligious Foundation for Community Organization, one of the country’s oldest faith-based civil rights organizations and the first ecumenical foundation founded by and for people of color.
IFCO/Pastors for Peace has worked to raise awareness of the hypocritical U.S. economic, commercial and financial blockade and travel ban to our neighboring country by opening traveling to Cuba bringing much needed humanitarian aid. In addition, IFCO has assisted over one hundred United States students to study medicine in Cuba by attending the Latin American School of Medicine (ELAM). The students from the U.S., along with the thousands of students from around the world, receive complete, comprehensive, and quality medical training at no cost whatsoever. The only expectation is that they return to the underserved areas of their communities to practice medicine. This service alone should result in appreciation and thanks to IFCO/Pastors for Peace from the United States government, not a threat to revoke their tax exempt status.
The National Network on Cuba supports the steps taken by President Obama and President Castro to improve relations between the United States and Cuba including relaxing travel and trade restrictions. In keeping with the new era of improved relations we respectfully ask you to drop all efforts to revoke the 501c3 status of IFCO/Pastors for Peace.
Sincerely,
National Network on Cuba Co-Chairs
Nalda Vigezzi
Banbose Shango
Alicia Jrapko
Cheryl LaBash
Franklin Curbelo
