In the recent weeks there has been much talk about refugees coming into this country. There has been no shortage of opinions offered, including some pretty offensive statements from politicians running for the highest office in the land. Some very real fears were expressed by the American public in light of the Paris terror attacks, fears that need to be addressed and taken seriously. And while no one can guarantee an absolute protection from terror, foreign or domestic, we as a society need to continue to be vigilant and committed to the safety of our country and our streets, supporting our security forces and our military in the difficult work that they do every day to keep us safe.
The United States prides itself on being a country that has welcomed refugees, seeking safety and peace, and has helped them become fully accepted Americans. Every year thousands of families arrive in this country, some in more distress than others, often having waited for months, sometimes years, for all the appropriate clearances. They arrive into the country legally and have some (limited) financial and other support from the U.S. Some need medical treatment; some suffer psychological trauma, especially those who escaped war-torn places. They have children that need to go to school; they need to learn English and find jobs, all the while adjusting to a brand new reality – wonderful, yet foreign.
Here we have a chance to do something truly special: open our hearts and welcome the stranger, in the best spirit of Judaism and Jewish hospitality. We have a chance to become the human faces at the end of the very long road – and in the beginning of an even longer journey of a new life. As I write these words, I am honored to know that a great number of local synagogues have organized to help IRIS settle the newly arriving refugees – some have partnered up with local churches, and some (including TE) are coming together with other synagogues and the Jewish Federation as part of Jewish Community Alliance for Refugee Resettlement (J-CARR), combining our efforts for a chance of greater impact, with our very own Jean Silk acting as coordinator of this community-wide effort.
In the next few weeks and months, as we get ready for the arrival of the families we will help re-settle, we will learn more about them and their needs. All we know for now is that they will be arriving shortly. Take a look around your home – perhaps there’s furniture and appliances that you may no longer need, but will help us turn a rented apartment into a loving home for the new refugees. Perhaps you can support the effort by offering a financial donation. Most importantly, please let Pete Stolzman and Anna Zonderman know if you are able to dedicate time to help in person – driving to appointments, helping to register for school, offering medical and other help and advice, among many other things.
Let us remember that we have an opportunity of a lifetime to do something for others. While we never expect anything in return, I guarantee you that this experience will transform OUR lives in most powerful way.