Refugee Support

What is Jewish about supporting refugees?

You shall not wrong nor oppress a stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.          -Exodus 22:20

And, when, throughout the ages, a stranger who has taken up residence with you, or one who lives among you, would present an offering by fire of pleasing odor to Adonai - as you do, so shall it be done by the rest of the congregation. There shall be one law for you and for the resident stranger; it shall be a law for all time throughout the ages. You and the stranger shall be alike before Adonai; the same ritual and the same rule shall apply to you and to the stranger who resides among you.          -Numbers 15:14-16

Yosi ben Yochanan, a man of Jerusalem, said: "May your house be open wide, and may the poor be members of your household."           -Mishnah Avot 1:5

What can I do?

In 2016, our congregation signed onto the HIAS (the global Jewish non-profit that protects refugees) Welcome Campaign as an affirmative statement in support of welcoming refugees to the United States.  You can visit the HIAS website to find ways to learn, donate and take action. 

The U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) is another good resource for action opportunities.  Click here to visit the website for the NC field office.  They host events all over the Triangle.

You might enjoy reading this piece by Rabbi Jonathan Sacks.  Minority Rights (Behar & Bechukotai 5777)