Dear TEE community,

This week’s Torah portion contains the injunction: “There shall be one law for the citizen and for the stranger who dwells among you.” This expresses a fundamental principle of justice and equality that resonates deeply within Jewish tradition. It reflects the Jewish understanding of community, where the well-being of the stranger is intertwined with that of the citizen and emphasizes the moral obligation to treat all individuals with dignity and fairness.

This principle starkly contrasts with the policies of the current administration, which seek to marginalize and dehumanize immigrants. Separating families at the border, restricting asylum claims, and promoting a rhetoric of fear and division stand in direct opposition to the values articulated in Exodus. Such actions not only violate the ethical imperatives of compassion and hospitality central to Jewish teachings but also undermine the fabric of a diverse society.

Reform Jews advocate for a more inclusive approach to immigration, rooted in the belief that all human beings deserve respect and protection. The Torah’s call for justice compels us to stand against policies that perpetuate systemic inequality and discrimination. The treatment of immigrants is not merely a political issue; it is a moral one that reflects our collective values as a society.

HIAS,* the oldest refugee agency in the world, was started to assist Jews fleeing Eastern European pogroms. When it began in 1903, there was no legal framework for assisting refugees. It wasn’t until after World War II that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Refugee Convention created such a mechanism. Jews can take pride in the role that they played, both individually and communally, in that process.

In a time when anti-immigrant sentiment is prevalent, the Jewish community needs to once again draw on its own historical experiences with persecution and displacement. By embracing the principle of one law for all, we affirm our commitment to justice and equality, advocating for policies that uplift rather than oppress. This perspective not only honors our heritage but also fosters a society where all individuals can thrive, regardless of their background.

Rabbi Drorah Setel

*The HIAS website, www.hias.org, is an excellent source of information on the changes in US policy and their impact.