Image Credit: Lorie Shaull
GET INVOLVED
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
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 needs, please contact Marti Michael. ACTions will be listed on the website for one month. If you would like your ACTion to remain longer or to request an ACTion be listed below or in the WJCI newsletter, please contact Holly Rosen Fink. Deadline: first Friday of each month.
The Community Wardrobe, a joint effort of the Horsemen PTA, the Village of Sleepy Hollow, and the Shames JCC, is an initiative that finds new homes for good clothes. It is free to locals who need them. The Wardrobe is now located at Shames JCC, 371 South Broadway in Tarrytown, NY. Clients can come by appointment only to find free clothes and shoes for the whole family.
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.
Ruth’s Refuge is furnishing homes for seven refugee and asylum seekers. Here are some ways to get involved:
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Shop this wishlist for a Ukrainian Family of 5.
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Donate to the Air Conditioner Fund for refugees or make a general donation to Ruth's Refuge
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Volunteer to be a part of their move teams, deliver items by car, do inventory or packs at storage units
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)
ARTICLES AND HUMAN INTEREST STORIES
US Admits 100,000 Ukrainians in 5 months, Fulfilling Biden Pledge, Camilo Montoya-Galvez, CBS News, 7.29.22
Volunteers Come to Help Ukrainians From Far and Wide, Betsy Joles, HIAS, 7. 25.22
How Russia’s War is Undoing 30 Years of Jewish Community Building in Ukraine, Cnaan Liphshiz, Jewish Telegraphic Agency, 7. 20.22
They Fled Danger for New York. When Will Their New Lives Begin?, Lauren Hilgers, The NY Times, 6.2.22
Here's How We Can Help 100,000 Ukrainian Refugees, Elana Broitman, Jewish News Syndicate 5.27.22
The Afghan Man You Need to Know Works for HIAS Partner in Pittsburgh, Dan Friedman, HIAS, 4.19.22