A collective of prominent Jewish organizations, both nationwide and local, has come united in their strong opposition to President Donald Trump’s immigration policies.
In a heartfelt letter scheduled for release on January 27, they called on the President to reconsider what they see as “widespread persecution of immigrants.” The letter, shared with Religion News Service ahead of its public release, critiques several key elements of Trump’s immigration agenda.
This includes plans for the largest deportation effort in U.S. history and a significant reduction in the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program.
Historic Context and Moral Obligations
Representatives from 88 different organizations, which together represent millions of Israel’s diverse American Jewish community, voiced their firm disapproval of the Administration’s initiatives—highlighting the potential consequences of large-scale deportations, the creation of expansive detention centers, and extensive immigration raids.
These entities underscored a painful historical context: Jewish individuals have endured forced displacement, exclusion from safe havens, scapegoating, and exploitation throughout history.
In expressing their concerns, the letter emphasized the significant role that Jewish values play in shaping attitudes toward immigration policy.
The authors urged the need for a robust and welcoming refugee program, ensuring that the right to seek asylum is preserved.
Concerns Over Immigration Enforcement Changes
The letter also addressed Trump’s recent decision to terminate a policy that limited immigration enforcement actions in sensitive locations—such as hospitals, schools, and places of worship.
This move has drawn sharp criticism from numerous faith leaders and organizations alike.
The signatories expressed that during turbulent times, individuals often turn to their religious communities for sanctuary.
The proposed changes to immigration enforcement, which would permit operations within sacred spaces, only amplify feelings of insecurity and fear instead of providing solace.
They highlighted the importance of allowing individuals to gather for worship free from the threat of deportation or harassment.
Unified Voices Against Discriminatory Policies
Among the 88 organizations lending their voices to the letter are influential entities such as the Union for Reform Judaism, the largest Jewish denomination in the U.S., along with the Rabbinical Assembly, Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association, Jewish Council for Public Affairs, National Council of Jewish Women, and several other advocacy groups.
HIAS, known for its commitment to refugee resettlement efforts, also signed on.
Local support came from congregations such as Adas Israel in Washington, D.C., and Temple Israel of Hollywood, as well as numerous chapters of the Jewish Community Relations Council from cities like Boston, New Orleans, Phoenix, and Seattle.
Amy Spitalnick, the CEO of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, highlighted the community’s understanding of the importance of welcoming immigrants.
She warned against the dangers of scapegoating and bigotry, insisting that these harsh immigration policies undermine essential Jewish values and freedoms while putting Jewish Americans and other communities at greater risk of hate and violence.
Meanwhile, Merrill Zack from HIAS emphasized the significant show of unity among diverse Jewish organizations in their support for immigrants.
He cautioned that widespread deportations could wreak havoc on countless families and communities.
Jamie Beran, CEO of Bend the Arc, offered a harsh critique of Trump’s immigration actions, drawing a parallel between current discriminatory practices and those experienced by Jews during Nazi Germany in 1933.
She urged Jewish Americans to recommit to a legacy of fighting for immigrant rights in these challenging times.
This letter is part of a broader trend among religious institutions and leaders voicing strong discontent with Trump’s immigration policies.
On the very first day of his presidency, Bishop Mariann Budde of the Episcopal Church called for compassion and mercy towards those affected by such policies, while Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops labeled Trump’s executive orders as “deeply troubling,” forecasting detrimental consequences for vulnerable communities.
Source: Religionnews
