The Immigration, Customs & Enforcement (ICE) raids that have been announced for this weekend are cruel, immoral, and inhumane. They will tear apart families and communities, and heighten the climate of fear felt by targeted populations. They are yet another ugly stain on America’s moral standing. The United States should be a welcoming country for those escaping dangerous situations in other countries or who have spent years here building new lives. The raids serve no purpose other than to jail more immigrants and rile up President Donald Trump’s base.
The more than 2,000 rabbis and cantors of T’ruah, who represent the moral voice of the Jewish community, stand in solidarity with immigrants, asylum seekers, and refugees, along with all Americans who treasure our nation’s commitment to fighting for the basic humanity of all people. We will continue to stand up to the Trump administration’s ongoing threats to our national institutions and values. The synagogues and Jewish communities that are part of T’ruah’s Mikdash: The Jewish Sanctuary Network are preparing to serve as places of refuge for those at risk.
The Trump administration is acting like the leaders of the biblical Sodom, whose primary sin, according to rabbinic literature, was their abuse of foreigners and their xenophobia. The people of Sodom acted out of fear, hatred, and intolerance. It is shameful that our country is following their example. With these raids, our country is acting as another Sodom: A place where injustice masquerades as rule of law. We call on our leaders in government and law enforcement to be guided by justice and mercy, and to take a compassionate and moral approach to the immigrants who now call our country home.
T’ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights mobilizes a network of more than 2,000 rabbis and cantors from all streams of Judaism that, together with the Jewish community, act on the Jewish imperative to respect and advance the human rights of all people. Grounded in Torah and our Jewish historical experience and guided by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, we call upon Jews to assert Jewish values by raising our voices and taking concrete steps to protect and expand human rights in North America, Israel, and the occupied Palestinian territories.
To learn more or to speak with T’ruah Executive Director Rabbi Jill Jacobs, contact Julie Wiener at jwiener@truah.org or (212) 845-5201.
