SILVER SPRING, Md — More than 1,100 Jewish clergy from 45 states signed a statement affirming their support and solidarity with immigrants and refugees, which is also being released today in video form. The statement and video elevate Judaism’s foundational texts about the values of welcome and support for the stranger and the immigrant.
The statement and video come at a time of escalation of attacks on immigrant and refugee communities nationwide, including arrests, detention, and deportation. The release of the statement and video also coincides with HIAS’ 8th Annual Refugee Shabbat, which is cosponsored by 20 national Jewish organizations, and will be observed by more than 200 congregations in the United States and around the world.
The full statement text, video, and list of signatures can be found here
Jewish organizations today weighed in with their support for the signatories:
“During times when our Jewish values of embracing the stranger are under attack, it is vital that Jewish leaders speak out with as loud and united a voice as possible,” said Rabbi Deborah Waxman, President and CEO of Reconstructing Judaism. “I’m proud of all the Reconstructionist rabbis who are coming together with so many clergy from such diverse Jewish communities to take a stand for our immigrant friends and families.”
“Welcoming, caring for, and loving the stranger is not a political position; it is a core Jewish obligation rooted in Torah that has been imprinted on our souls through the many migrations of Jewish history,” said Rabbi Rick Jacobs, President of the Union for Reform Judaism. “At a time when immigrants and refugees are demonized daily, it is powerful to see our Reform rabbis join with more than 1,100 Jewish clergy lifting a united moral voice.”
Rabbi Jill Jacobs, CEO of T’ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights, said: “Jewish text and tradition could not be clearer about our obligation to welcome the sojourner. In the U.S. today, that should look like a just immigration system that treats individuals with dignity and care. As this government tramples on immigrants’ rights, it is inspiring to see rabbis and cantors courageously using their moral voices to stand up for what’s right.”
“The breadth and depth of the U.S. Jewish clergy backing this statement powerfully illustrates the centrality of welcoming the stranger to our community,” said Merrill Zack, HIAS Vice President of Community Engagement. “Judaism is wonderfully rich with diversity – across opinion, culture and practice. Yet welcoming the immigrant, the refugee, the asylum seeker is so foundational to Jewish tradition, history and identity that it binds us together.”
For press inquiries, contact media@hias.org.
