Welcoming the stranger, or immigrant, is a core part of Jewish tradition, mentioned 36 times in the Torah. Leviticus commands, "The stranger who resides with you shall be to you as one of your citizens; you shall love them as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt" (19:33-34). Our own people's history as "strangers" reminds us of the many struggles faced by immigrants today and we affirm our commitment to create the same opportunities for today's immigrants that were so valuable to our own community not so many years ago.
The Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) and Religious Action Center (RAC) continue to work tirelessly to oppose anti-immigrant rhetoric and legislation. From engaging congregations to participating in national coalitions, we are working across all levels of advocacy in the pursuit of a just and humane immigration system.
Join us by adding your name to this petition to amplify our fight for religious freedom, the protection of immigrants, and an end to the rescission of the sensitive locations policy.
President Trump has issued a series of harmful executive actions attacking immigrants, LGBTQ+ people, People of Color, environmental protections, and more. As the new administration targets vulnerable communities, urge Congress to stand up for justice.
Many congregations have asked the URJ, CCAR and the RAC for guidance on what they should do if ICE or other immigration or law enforcement entities come to the door of the synagogue seeking entry. Learn more.
Donate: Reach out to your local refugee resettlement agency or any other organizations serving newly arrived migrants to see whether they are in need of in-kind goods or donations. Donations can also be provided to support the RAC's Immigration Justice Work or global refugee resettlement agencies such as HIAS that serve migrants as well as advocate for immigration and refugee causes. Founded in 1881, HIAS is the oldest international migration and refugee resettlement organization in the United States. HIAS has played a major role in the rescue and relocation of Jewish survivors of the Holocaust and of Jews from Morocco, Ethiopia, Egypt, and the former Soviet Union.
Volunteer: Look for volunteer opportunities assisting immigrant and refugee communities in your area. Local resettlement agencies may also have opportunities available. Check your local library for volunteer listings to teach English or provide other services. Often, programs that serve the elderly or low-income community members will benefit immigrants and refugees as well.
Speak Up: Use your voice to share your perspective with others and mobilize your community. Write an op-ed for your local paper on why supporting immigrants and refugees matters to you. Give a sermon to your congregation on why you feel compelled, as a Reform Jew, to act during this pivotal moment.
Partner: Connect with another synagogue, church, or mosque - including those who may serve congregations with significant numbers of immigrants. Combine forces and strengthen your and their efforts to help those in need. Working in coalition to build relationships across communities can significantly further the impact of your work.
Offer Support: Reach out to anyone you know in the immigrant community to offer words of comfort and support during this trying time. Fostering meaningful relationships can serve as a powerful form of countering racist and xenophobic rhetoric that attempts to alienate immigrants.
The Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS) was established in 1881 to provide rescue and refuge for persecuted and oppressed Jews around the world. HIAS is the international migration agency of the American Jewish community. In recent years, they have directed their efforts to advocate for refugees and immigrants of all backgrounds, guided by Jewish values to help the strangers among us.
This campaign seeks to promote permanent protection, dignity and respect for all 11 million undocumented immigrants living in the USA.
The Religious Action Center and the Reform Jewish Movement more broadly have been active on issues of immigrant justice for decades. As we increase the urgency of our work in the face of cruel and inhumane federal immigration policies, we are excited for you to help us amplify our messages. Here are graphics and sample social media messages you can download anThe Religious Action Center and the Reform Jewish Movement more broadly have been active on issues of immigrant justice for decades. As we increase the urgency of our work in the face of cruel and inhumane federal immigration policies, we are excited for you to help us amplify our messages. Here are graphics and sample social media messages you can download and share.d share.
Learn more about the RAC's key issues and get involved by signing up for the legislative updates newsletter.
Learn more about the position of the Reform Movement on these key issues, and read the formal resolutions by URJ and CCAR.
For more information on this issue, contact Eisendrath Legislative Assistant Tamara Upfal.
The Gilbert and Eleanor Kraus Initiative for Immigrant and Refugee Justice is made possible through generous funding from the Kraus Family Foundation.