Austin Jews for Refugees Assembly
After almost three years of attacks on the U.S. refugee and asylum programs, the number of refugees entering the country has dramatically slowed and asylum-seeking families have been torn apart at our southern border. Those fleeing persecution and violence are being denied the opportunity for due process in requesting asylum, and many are being sent back to wait out their court hearings in Mexico. Additionally, the administration has drastically cut refugee admissions for 2020 and released a new Executive Order granting states and municipalities the power to veto refugee resettlement in their communities.
At this time of unprecedented need, the U.S. is failing to meet a basic obligation to victims of war, terror, torture, and persecution. In this moral crisis, it is time for each of us to take a stand for the rights, dignity, and lives of those seeking safety in our country.
The Jewish community in Austin is already deeply and passionately committed to support and advocacy for refugees and asylum seekers, and the Jews for Refugees Assembly will amplify these existing efforts by bringing the community together to raise a strong, collective, moral, and Jewish voice in support of refugees and asylum seekers.
Program
1:00-2:00pm: Speaking Program
2:00-3:00pm: Volunteer and Advocacy Fair
Speakers
- Rabbi Alan Freedman: Rabbi at Temple Beth Shalom
- Deliana Garcia: Director, International Projects and Emerging Issues at Migrant Clinicians Network
- Jennifer Harbury: Civil rights attorney who has lived and worked in the Rio Grande Valley for four decades
- Rep. Gina Hinojosa: Texas House of Representatives
- Melanie Nezer: Senior Vice President of Public Affairs at HIAS
This event is convened by HIAS and a planning committee representing eight Austin congregations and organizations, with support from twenty additional co-sponsors.
Convening Co-Sponsors
Austin Jews For Justice • Congregation Agudas Achim • Congregation Beth Israel • Congregation Shir Ami • NCJW • Temple Beth Shalom • Texas Hillel • Shalom Austin
Co-Sponsors
ADL Austin • Alpha Epsilon Phi • American Gateways • Austin Border Relief • Austin Jewish Academy • Caritas of Austin • Casa Marianella • Catholic Charities Central Texas • Congregation Kol Halev • IACT • Girl Forward • J Street • Justice For Our Neighbors • Ladies Let's Talk • NFTY-TOR • RAICES • Refugee Services of Texas • Shalom Austin YAD • Sigma Alpha Mu - University of Texas • Texas Impact • Texas Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism • Zeta Beta Tau - University of Texas
Co-sponsorship list in formation - please email Isabel Burton if your congregation or organization would like to be a co-sponsor, or with any other questions.
