FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 26, 2018
Reform Jewish Movement Calls on Administration to Uphold Right to Seek Asylum
WASHINGTON - In response to reports that the Trump administration is considering executive action to prevent migrants from seeking asylum at the United States – Mexico border, Rabbi Jonah Dov Pesner, Director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, released the following statement on behalf of the Union for Reform Judaism, the Central Conference of American Rabbis, and the wider Reform Movement institutions:
“Reports that President Trump is considering executive action to deny children and families from seeking asylum at the U.S. southern border are deeply concerning. A sweeping denial of asylum seekers would not only violate domestic and international law, but also constitute a grave moral failing.
“From our earliest days as a people fleeing biblical Egypt, we know what it means to search for safety and security. Many of those who are currently traveling through Central America and Mexico with the goal of reaching the U.S. are fleeing devastating economic, social, and political circumstances. They need compassion and humanitarian aid. Within that group there may also be individuals whose circumstances are such that they meet the international standards required to be granted asylum; they must be allowed to make their case. We urge the President not to issue this order and instead abide by domestic and international law by respecting the rights of those seeking asylum and treating them with justice and dignity.”
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The Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism is the Washington office of the Union for Reform Judaism, whose more than 900 congregations across North America encompass 1.5 million Reform Jews, and the Central Conference of American Rabbis, whose membership includes more than 2,000 Reform rabbis. Visit www.rac.org for more.
