Our Imperative to Welcome the Stranger
San Francisco, CA – Our community is one of deeply held Jewish values, of patriotic faith in American democracy, of compassion toward our neighbors and the proverbial "others" among us. These values have been seriously challenged by President Trump's recent executive order targeting refugees and citizens from seven Muslim-majority nations.
We are a nation founded on the principle of religious freedom. And we are a nation of immigrants that has welcomed refugees and those fleeing hardship in hopes of finding safety, freedom, and opportunity.
National security is critical to all Americans, but we must not forget our laws and values in its name. Our community is deeply concerned by the executive order closing the nation's borders, even if only temporarily, to refugees seeking asylum. Whatever the motivations for the order, it runs counter to our proud immigrant history, and to our Jewish values. Leviticus instructs us that, "The stranger who sojourns with you shall be as a native from among you, and you shall love him as yourself; for you were strangers in the land of Egypt." This is one of the foundations of Jewish community and belief.
As Jews, we are particularly aware of the dangers of imposing religious tests. We came here as immigrants and refugees and know well the consequences of shunning those who seek to escape persecution. And, as a people committed to tikkun olam (repairing the world) and the calling of hachnasat orchim (welcoming the stranger), we are compelled to speak up for those who may be scapegoated or mistreated due to xenophobia, prejudice, fear, or misunderstanding.
Our community is defined by a belief in diversity, inclusion, and human dignity. Our diversity is our strength as a community and as a nation.
Please also read the JCRC overview of our community's response and, if you would like to take action, we recommend the following campaigns:
Jewish Community Relations Council
Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society
In solidarity,
Danny Grossman Richard Fiedotin
Chief Executive Officer Board Chair
Jewish Community Federation Jewish Community Federation
and Endowment Fund and Endowment Fund
Abby Porth Hadara Stanton
Executive Director Board President
Jewish Community Relations Council Jewish Community Relations Council
