On behalf of ADL and HIAS, we would like to invite and encourage your congregation to participate in National Refugee Shabbat the weekend of March 4^th-5^th, 2022.

As in previous years, we continue to build on the momentum of National Refugee Shabbat. While this year brings a true opportunity to achieve justice for refugees and asylum seekers, there is no rest for the weary. Now is the time for us to raise our voices even louder as a Jewish community to say that we will not allow what has so often happened to us to happen to today’s refugees and that we will welcome and protect those seeking safety from violence and persecution.

WHAT DOES PARTICIPATION ENTAIL IN LIGHT OF COVID-19?

Your participation in National Refugee Shabbat can be as multifaceted as you would like it to be for your community. We encourage communities and individuals to take all necessary health and safety measures to protect your members and yourselves during this ongoing pandemic. Congregations might consider including a liturgical reading on the theme of the refugee crisis in Shabbat services and/or dedicating a sermon or text study to the topic. If you or your congregation has a relationship with a refugee, refugee professional, or a related local community organization, consider inviting that person/organization representative to speak during services. You might also plan an educational program after Friday evening services or after Saturday morning services. You’ll find a downloadable reading for reciting Kiddush (the blessing over the Shabbat wine) here. Downloadable sermon talking points are available here. A comprehensive Programming Content Resource, including safety tips, text study, and previous resources, is available here. HIAS will also be leading a virtual international educational program on Sunday, March 6th at 1:30pm ET. The choice is yours.

WHY NOW?

“Do not oppress a foreigner; for you yourselves know how it feels to be foreigners” – Exodus 23:9

As we continue to struggle with the effects and dangers of COVID-19 – as essential workers who have risked their health and safety throughout the pandemic continue to do so, as many others cautiously return to offices and schools, and as we all worry about the health of our loved ones – there are now an estimated 84 million people who have fled their homes due to persecution and violence. Many of these refugees and asylum seekers are in places where they cannot wash their hands frequently, use hand sanitizer, and practice social distancing. They are in more danger than ever. While the new administration has taken positive and encouraging steps to address the plight of refugees and asylum seekers, there is much work left to be done. In addition to the vital legislative and policy changes that are still needed, we must continue to fight anti-immigrant hate that directly contributes to physical violence in our communities and leads to harmful anti-immigrant policies. We are well aware how dehumanizing language has motivated nativist law in the past to exclude refugees and immigrants that were Irish, Italian, Asian, Jewish, and many others at the moments these groups needed protection.

Anti-immigrant rhetoric by leaders and within society at large translating into discriminatory policy is all too familiar to the Jewish community. We remember the antisemitic intentions and nativist policies of the 1924 Immigration Act and the later restrictions imposed in the 1930s that drastically limited the number of Jews able to find refuge in the U.S., blocking an escape route for Jews just as Nazism swept across Europe.

Today, we are united, fighting to prevent history from repeating itself. The Jewish movement for refugees in the U.S. has grown exponentially in recent years, with hundreds of congregations advocating for and raising awareness about the plight of refugees. The involvement of our community has made a difference. National Refugee Shabbat 2022 reaffirms our commitment at a time it is most needed.

We invite you to visit the HIAS National Refugee Shabbat info page to learn more about the many ways your congregation can participate. ADL and HIAS may be able to provide additional resources.

Thank you for your participation in National Refugee Shabbat and for your support of refugees and asylum seekers.