U.S. Jewish Clergy Video and Statement: Welcoming the Stranger

Many Jewish denominations and organizations are collaborating to create a video and Jewish clergy statement firmly expressing our communal commitment to welcoming the stranger. The video will feature 15-20 clergy who capture a broad spectrum of the American Jewish community. The language in the video and the statement is the same – see below.

We invite all U.S. Jewish clergy members to add their names to the statement. Please note that only names and cities/states will be included on the statement, and the video will be unbranded to convey maximum reach.

All signers will receive notification when the video and statement launch, and we hope you will share and amplify the message. If you are already part of the HIAS Clergy Council, you do not need to complete the form below as you will be included through our pre-existing notification. For those who are not part of the HIAS Clergy Council, please review the text of the letter below and complete the form.

Statement

You shall not wrong or oppress the stranger for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.[1]

You shall love each one as yourself.[2]

There shall be one law for you and for the resident stranger.[3]

Jewish tradition is clear. So too are the lessons of our history.

They call us to uphold the rights of the stranger:

  • The refugee
  • The immigrant
  • The asylum seeker

To be a Jew is to insist on the inherent human dignity of every person.

To be a Jew is to advocate for law to be just, compassionate, and fair,

and cry out when power is wielded with cruelty.

In every generation, the Jewish soul is marked by the memory of migration.

In this moment, that memory calls us to courage:

To reclaim and recenter our moral compass.

To embody the words of our sacred text: גֵּר־וְתוֹשָׁ֥ב אָנֹכִ֖י עִמָּכֶ֑ם  “I am a resident and stranger with you.”

To declare to our leaders: Do not wrong or oppress the stranger.

[1] (Exodus 22:20)
[2] (Leviticus 19:34)
[3] (Numbers 15:15)

Name
Address
For back-end purposes only. Will not be published.

By completing this form, you understand that your name, city and state may be publicly listed in association with statements released in association with this statement. By including your name on these statements, you acknowledge that there is a risk of potential negative attention including online trolling, harassment or threats. In the event of any harassment, you can inform HIAS’ Global Safety and Security Office (security@hias.org).

By completing this form, you consent to be emailed in relation to the contents of this statement and its promotion by partnering organizations. You consent to your information being shared among partnering organizations for purposes of this project only and understand that your information will NOT be added to any new standing email lists.

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