As Jewish organizations and synagogues in Minnesota, we are deeply concerned by the current volatile situation throughout the Twin Cities and Minnesota. Our community members and staff live and work in every corner of society. There are too many stories of lives upended by what the government itself refers to as the ICE surge:
- There are members of the Jewish community who are immigrants themselves, have family members who are immigrants, or could be reasonably perceived to be immigrants. Many of these people are scared to leave their homes out of fear of being arrested and deported.
- Jewish seniors are not having their basic needs met because their caregivers are too afraid to come to work.
- Those providing food or making care visits are worried that their efforts will lead ICE toward the people they are trying to help.
Rooted in our Jewish values, we affirm our commitment to supporting and protecting all those who are desperate to feel safe in the state we love. Additionally, we affirm our commitment to the rule of law, the lawful implementation of statutes, and the thousands of law enforcement officers charged with keeping us safe, whose efforts we deeply appreciate.
There are many ways to give your time, resources, and voice to support those in need and protect our democracy. On this Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, we urge you to find a way to contribute at this difficult time (a few resources linked here). And if you or someone you love is struggling or scared, please reach out to us so we can support you and your family at this time.
Adath Jeshurun Congregation
Bet Shalom Congregation
Beth El Synagogue
Beth Jacob Congregation
Congregation Sharei Chesed
Darchei Noam
Jewish Community Action
JCRC of Minnesota and the Dakotas
Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Minnesota
Jewish Historical Society of the Upper Midwest
Mayim Rabim
Minneapolis Jewish Federation
Minnesota Cantors Association
Minnesota Hillel
Minnesota JCC
Minnesota Rabbinical Association
Mount Zion Temple
NCJW Minnesota
Shir Tikvah Synagogue
Sholom Community Alliance
St. Paul Jewish Federation
Smith Jewish Academy
Talmud Torah of Minneapolis
TC Jewfolk
Temple Israel
Temple of Aaron
Twin Cities Jewish Renewal Community
2 Jews and 3 opinions rings true in this Milquetoast statement. Our ancestors are probably desperately disappointed in the inability of our leaders to acknowledge the situation and fears and violence we have faced as a people that our neighbors are facing RIGHT NOW. It’s beyond time for Jews and more importantly Jewish leadership in the TC to stand up and boldly stand and defend our neighbors and their families.
I’d like to add that I am incredibly disappointed with how much this statement leaves out the violence our community is facing, the fact our neighbors are being torn and kidnapped from their families. Objectively — I’m sorry Jewish seniors aren’t getting the care they rely on, but the people who can’t go into work for fear of being kidnapped or those who have been unlawfully detained and deported and their families are facing unfathomable realities. Shame. Shame on the Jewish leadership of the Twin Cities and Upper Midwest.