5779 Special Focus: Refugees and Immigrants
"You shall not oppress a stranger, for you know the soul of the stranger, having yourselves been strangers in the land of Egypt." --Exodus 23:9
Welcoming the Stranger: Our Role as Jews in the Global Refugee Crisis With Rabbi Rachel Grant Meyer, Director of Education at HIAS:
"As Jews, we are obligated to perform the mitzvah of Hachnasat Orchim -- welcoming the stranger. We brought that roommate from the West Coast home for Thanksgiving during college; we continue to open our Shabbat tables to friends and co-workers who are new in town. But what is our role in welcoming strangers on an international scale? What does Judaism have to say about our responsibility to welcome refugees to our country?"
"As Jews, we are obligated to perform the mitzvah of Hachnasat Orchim -- welcoming the stranger. We brought that roommate from the West Coast home for Thanksgiving during college; we continue to open our Shabbat tables to friends and co-workers who are new in town. But what is our role in welcoming strangers on an international scale? What does Judaism have to say about our responsibility to welcome refugees to our country?"
National Letter Calling for Welcoming Refugees
Signed by Rabbi Steven Rein along with more than 1,500 Rabbis
How you can get involved:
More than 250 congregations across the nation are taking action to raise awareness, volunteer, and provide direct assistance to refugees through the HIAS Welcome Campaign. Launched in May 2015, the campaign has evolved into a nationwide grassroots initiative in response to the global refugee crisis.
Members of the Social Action Committee of Agudas Achim Congregation have joined with the PICO National Network for its sanctuary training program for places of worship. We will be building out our work in this area.
HIAS
The global Jewish nonprofit that protects refugees whose lives are in danger for being who they are. To volunteer with HIAS, visit:
• English language conversation partner
• ENL/ESL Tutor
• Program support volunteer
• Career & College mentor
• Volunteer translation & interpretation
Congregation Action Network/Faith in Action
Member congregations in the DC/MD/VA region provide support and practical assistance to neighbors, friends, and family who fear being detained, deported or profiled.
Just Neighbors
Provides immigration legal services to low-income immigrants and refugees in Virginia.
Lutheran Social Services
Resettles displaced refugees and provided them wellness and health education and other practical services.
Thu, April 25 2024 17 Nisan 5784
