Supporting Immigrants and Refugees in This Challenging Moment
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Welcoming the stranger, or immigrant, is a core part of Jewish tradition, mentioned 36 times in the Torah. Leviticus commands, "The stranger who resides with you shall be to you as one of your citizens; you shall love them as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt" (19:33-34). Our own people's history as "strangers" reminds us of the many struggles faced by immigrants today and we affirm our commitment to create the same opportunities for today's immigrants that were so valuable to our own community not so many years ago.
The Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) and Religious Action Center (RAC) oppose the anti-immigrant rhetoric and executive orders issued by the Trump administration. Below is a background on recent Reform Movement statements, longstanding Reform Movement policies, and opportunities for action by individuals, congregations, and communities.
Take Action Congregational Resources Sanctuary Spaces Get Involved Resolutions
Congregational Resources
- Many congregations have asked the URJ, CCAR and the RAC for guidance on what they should do if ICE or other immigration or law enforcement entities come to the door of the synagogue seeking entry. Learn more.
Sanctuary Spaces
As early as 1985, the URJ adopted a resolution on sanctuary, urging congregations and their members to, "provide sanctuary in one or more of its forms to Central Americans and other refugees who request safe haven out of fear of persecution upon return their to their homelands." The resolution continued, "We recognize the serious legal implications of some forms of sanctuary and alert the congregations to the recent prosecutions for assistance and support of these refugees, even as we commit ourselves to support the efforts to overturn the administration's interpretation and application of existing law."
As significant as the legal risks have always been, on January 20, 2025, the Trump administration rescinded a policy that limited U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents from operating in sensitive locations such as houses of worship, schools, and medical facilities. As such, offering sanctuary currently creates unknown legal risks.
The RAC cannot offer legal advice to individuals or organizations but urges congregations to consult experts in local and state laws as well as their own congregational counsel.
Read When ICE Comes to the Congregation Door to learn more about what you can do if ICE or other immigration or law enforcement entities come to the door of the synagogue seeking entry.
How Can I Get More Involved?
Donate
Reach out to your local refugee resettlement agency or any other organizations serving newly arrived migrants to see whether they are in need of in-kind goods or donations. Donations can also be provided to support the RAC’s Immigration Justice Work or global refugee resettlement agencies such as HIAS that serve migrants as well as advocate for immigration and refugee causes. Founded in 1881, HIAS is the oldest international migration and refugee resettlement organization in the United States. HIAS has played a major role in the rescue and relocation of Jewish survivors of the Holocaust and of Jews from Morocco, Ethiopia, Egypt, and the former Soviet Union.
Volunteer
Look for volunteer opportunities assisting immigrant and refugee communities in your area. Local resettlement agencies may also have opportunities available. Check your local library for volunteer listings to teach English or provide other services. Often, programs that serve the elderly or low-income community members will benefit immigrants and refugees as well.
Speak Up
Use your voice to share your perspective with others and mobilize your community. Write an op-ed for your local paper on why supporting immigrants and refugees matters to you. Give a sermon to your congregation on why you feel compelled, as a Reform Jew, to act during this pivotal moment.
Partner
Connect with another synagogue, church, or mosque - including those who may serve congregations with significant numbers of immigrants. Combine forces and strengthen your and their efforts to help those in need. Working in coalition to build relationships across communities can significantly further the impact of your work.
Offer Support
Reach out to anyone you know in the immigrant community to offer words of comfort and support during this trying time. Fostering meaningful relationships can serve as a powerful form of countering racist and xenophobic rhetoric that attempts to alienate immigrants.
URJ and Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR) Resolutions on Immigration, Refugees and Asylum Seekers
URJ Resolution on Protecting Individuals at Risk of Deportation from the United States (2017)
URJ Resolution on Responding to the Global Refugee Crisis (2017)
CCAR Resolution on Protecting Individuals at Risk of Deportation from the United States (2017)
URJ Resolution in Support of Comprehensive Immigration Reform in the United States (2007)
CCAR Resolution on Immigration Reform (2006)
URJ Resolution on Citizenship (1997)
CCAR Resolution on Citizenship (1997)
URJ Resolution on Immigration (1995)
URJ Resolution on Refugees and Sanctuary (1985)
CCAR Resolution on Immigration (1889-1974)
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