NEW YORK (Press Release) –HIAS, the global Jewish movement that protects refugees, is sponsoring the National Refugee Shabbat, a series of weekend-long events taking place in Jewish congregations across the country. National Refugee Shabbat is a moment for congregations, organizations and individuals around the country to create a Shabbat experience dedicated to refugees.
The parsha (Torah portion) for this Shabbat is Lech Lecha, which describes the beginning of the experience of wandering in search of freedom for the Jewish people. This makes it a particularly meaningful opportunity to deepen our understanding of today’s global refugee crisis, connect with the Jewish movement for refugees, commit (or recommit) to taking action, and celebrate synagogues’ achievements in working with refugees or launch new efforts.
Participating synagogues will enjoy Shabbat dinner, services and Havdalah together, with programming centered around the refugee experience. The events will feature special programming on how residents in their community can learn more about helping refugees in the United States and around the world.
In announcing National Refugee Shabbat, HIAS, known formerly as the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, issued the following statement:
“We are witnesses to one of the largest humanitarian crises in human history. There are now more than 65 million people who have fled their homes due to persecution and violence. And, yet, in this moment of unprecedented need, our government is grinding the U.S. refugee admissions program to a halt and cutting humanitarian aid.
“The Jewish movement for refugees in the U.S. has grown exponentially since 2015, with individuals, congregations and organizations volunteering, raising awareness and advocating for refugees around the country and the world. The involvement of our community has made a difference. This is a moment when we must give voice to our values as Jews and as Americans and stand up for the safety and the lives of people around the world.”
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Preceding contributed by HIAS