Refugees

Background on recent Reform Movement statements, longstanding Reform Movement policies, and opportunities for action by individuals, congregations, and communities.

June 20 marks World Refugee Day, which honors the experiences of refugees and celebrates their contributions to their communities and the world. The UN Refugee Agency reports that more than 114 million individuals were forcibly displaced by the end of 2023, with more than 35 million identified as refugees.

The world is currently facing history’s worst refugee crisis. More than 89 million people have left their homes to escape conflict and persecution, surpassing the previous record of displaced persons after World War II. Refugees—those forced to flee their country for fear of persecution, war, or violence—account for about 27.1 million of displaced people.

Every year on June 20, we honor the resilience and courage of refugees and celebrate their contributions to our communities and to our entire nation. The best way to honor and celebrate refugees is by taking action to make the U.S. a more welcoming place for those seeking safety.

This is a critical time for refugees and asylum seekers worldwide. Those in need of safe homes include Afghan refugees in addition to the millions of other displaced persons worldwide. For the past four years, the RAC has joined HIAS in dedicating a Shabbat experience to refugees and asylum seekers.