Image Credit: Lorie Shaull
GET INVOLVED
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WJCI & CLERGY: WORKING TOGETHER
Because of our experiences as Jews, we are sensitive to immigration issues and immigrants' presence in our communities. The Torah itself is explicit in Exodus, "You shall not oppress a stranger, for you know the feelings of the stranger, having yourselves been strangers in the land of Egypt".
Here are a few ways Rabbis, Cantors, and congregations can be involved in our work:
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Attend WJCI's quarterly informational meetings to talk and learn about current immigration initiatives.
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Speak from the pulpit about immigration issues, tying them into Jewish liturgy on occasions like Refugee Shabbat.
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Bring refugees, resettlement workers, and Holocaust survivors to speak to congregants. Contact info@wjci.org for further information.
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Encourage your synagogue's youth and college students to get involved in making our community a more welcoming place.
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Join Bet Am Shalom, Congregation Kol Ami, Hebrew Institute of White Plains, Shaarei Tikvah of Scarsdale, and Temple Israel Center of White Plains in the Westchester Right to Counsel Coalition to protect immigrants’ right to fair housing.
ORGANIZE YOUR COMMUNITY ONLINE
Engage your community to urge their representatives and senators to support refugees, immigrants and asylum seekers.
Don't forget to sign up for WJCI's Newsletter and work to organize your community by following us on:
GET INVOLVED
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Push out initiatives through your synagogue’s social action committee
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Book speakers for synagogues including refugees, immigration experts, etc.
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Show your support for local families by assisting Westchester-based organizations to advocate for their clients such as Community Resource Center
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Hold multi-faith events at your synagogue
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Run a social media campaign for an immigration issue you support
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Execute online petitions, social media campaigns, phone-a-thons, postcard writing events (virtual/in-person), rallies, and marches
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Conduct educational online and virtual events about issues you support such as Right to Counsel or the Border Crisis
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Create refugee-friendly/welcoming neighborhoods
Volunteer Opportunities
Interested in getting involved with our efforts? WJCI is a volunteer led and run organization and our efforts rely on the involvement of community members. To view and apply for our available opportunities, click here. For additional community volunteer opportunities, access this guide.
Are you a teen or tween wanting to make a difference? View the list of opportunities to get involved here. Questions? Email Emilie Soto.
ACT: Action Changes Things
Actions you can take to help local immigrants, asylum seekers and refugees. If you know housing resources or want to be a resource for future employment needs, please let us know. If you would like your ACTion to be listed here, please email info@wjci.org.
Support local immigrant families who have experienced a severe crisis such as fires in their homes by sending $25-$50 gift cards so they can replenish lost clothing and purchase groceries to Neighbors Link at 7 Columbus Avenue, Mount Kisco, NY 10549.
Strong individuals needed for NFR's "moving team". Help move furniture, load, unload and drive the uHaul during one of the several moves NFR does each month. If interested, email info@neighborsforrefugees.com or Jmel Wilson.
Employment Leads and Contacts Needed
Have employment leads? Looking to hire? Email info@wjci.org to hire newly arrived refugees.
RESOURCES
Did you know that while there were approximately 26 million refugees worldwide as of fiscal year (FY) 2020, the U.S. currently resettles just a small fraction of them. Less than 1 percent of the total number of displaced people on the world has been resettled to one of 37 current resettlement countries each year. Learn more here. (National Immigration Forum)