Ei-iE

Education International joins its US affiliates, the American Federation of Teachers and the National Education Association, in calling for the safe release of American academic Warren Weinstein, who was abducted in Pakistan by al Qaeda.

A former political science professor, Weinstein (73) was abducted in August 2011 from his home in Lahore. He had worked in Pakistan as a development expert aid worker for a USAID contractor.

Weinstein’s family is worried about his health, especially as he suffers from a heart condition and severe asthma.

A former professor at the State University of New York, Weinstein is a member of the American Federation of Teachers' (AFT) United University Professions.

Requests for help

The United University Professions, the AFT, and National Education Association (NEA) are working to ensure Weinstein's case does not fade from view and are calling for stepped-up efforts to secure his safe release. They have addressed requests to Secretary of State John Kerry asking that the US Department of State “continue working to ensure the safe release of Dr. Warren Weinstein and all Americans who are held captive by Al Qaeda and other terrorist organizations”.

Use social media

Weinstein's wife and his two daughters have created a website that documents his story and provides links to contact Congress representatives and the White House. In addition to contacting the US Congress, the website urges supporters to email the White House and also tweet @BarackObama and @WhiteHouse using the hashtag #BringWarrenHome.

EI is also calling on its affiliates to ensure that Dr. Weinstein's situation remains prominent and a priority for the US government.