When the humanitarian crisis of separating immigrant children from their families at the U.S.-Mexico border began last month, the Jewish Center for Justice community immediately voiced our collective outrage at this immoral practice. Words of condemnation for this heartbreaking policy swiftly turned to action as we partnered with national and local organizations to speak out against these cruel injustices.
From raising our voices at several rallies to making calls to our elected officials, the JCJ is working to fulfill our moral duty to welcome the stranger and love your neighbor. As a community of immigrants, our families traveled great distances to flee oppression and pursue the American Dream. We know firsthand that nowhere in our Jewish tradition can we find justification for the Administration’s actions.
While we remain deeply disturbed by separating children from their parents and remain committed to fighting against such horrific acts, the JCJ community has taken another step forward in this effort. Last week, JCJ Board Member and Los Angeles Unified School District Vice President Nick Melvoin co-authored the “Putting Kids First Means Keeping Families Together” resolution with fellow LAUSD Board Member Monica Garcia. In the resolution, Melvoin and Garcia write: “…the Governing Board of the Los Angeles Unified School District hereby demands the immediate end to inhumane and irresponsible immigration policies leading to the forcible separation of children and families.” You can read the full resolution here. Tomorrow (Tuesday, July 10th) executive director Rabbi Joel Simonds, along with JCJ’s summer interns, will be speaking at the board meeting in favor of the resolution.
We applaud Nick Melvoin for his shared demonstration of leadership on such an important issue that so deeply impacts our nation’s children and families. However, our efforts are not complete by any stretch of the imagination. For those who wish to continue taking action on such a vital issue, we urge you to contact your members of Congress to voice your outrage and demonstrate support for the Keep Families Together Act. We then urge you to call the White House and do the same.
White House switchboard: (202)-456-1414
United States Capitol switchboard: (202)-224-3121 Ask for your State Senator and Rep.