On March 30, 2017, the URJ adopted a resolution on Protecting Individuals at Risk of Deportation from the U.S. The Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR) adopted the resolution soon thereafter. The statement about this resolution can be found here. As the resolution states:
- “Some congregations, after serious discussion within the congregation and with legal counsel, have decided to offer temporary physical shelter to undocumented immigrants facing deportation, recognizing the legal risks of their action. In his challenge to King David, the prophet Nathan offers an exemplary biblical model for confronting a state authority that wields its power unjustly and abusively. To a show of might, Nathan responds with rights, with truth.
- The Union for Reform Judaism celebrates the many ways in which Reform congregations are responding to fix what is broken in the U.S. immigration system and to support undocumented immigrants who are in need [and] recommends that congregations, after discussion within their congregations and with legal counsel, respond to the need to protect the lives and well-being of undocumented immigrants at risk of deportation by adopting a plan that could include one or more of the following: Providing sanctuary in the form of temporary shelter within their facilities; Providing legal assistance to fight deportation cases; and Providing material, financial or educational support.”
In 1985, the URJ passed a Resolution on Refugees and Sanctuary.
On January 25, 2017, Rabbi Jonah Dov. Pesner, Director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, released a statement opposing the building of a U.S. Mexico border wall.
On February 9, 2017, the RAC hosted a webinar called “Learning About the Sanctuary Movement” for URJ rabbis, lay leaders and congregants around the country. The webinar featured experts Liza Lieberman from HIAS, Barbara Weinstein from the RAC, Senior Rabbi Jonathan Roos from Temple Sinai in Washington, DC, Senior Pastor Rev. Robin Hynicka from Arch Street United Methodist Church in Philadelphia, Ryan Lilienthal from Ryan Stark Lilienthal Law Offices and Richard Morales from PICO. To watch the webinar, click here.
