Stand Up for Immigrants, Refugees & American Values

President Trump is expected to sign an executive order that will stop the admission of Syrian refugees indefinitely and will place a temporary halt on refugees from the rest of the world. JFS is expecting to resettle 142 refugees in the coming months who are eager to be reunited with their families in the Greater Seattle area. Some of them have been separated from their loved ones for more than a year.

A refugee can spend an average of 17 years in refugee camps.
Children now make up more than half of the world’s refugees.
Refugees undergo 18 to 24 months of security vetting from the Department of Homeland Security, the NSA and other national intelligence agencies.

Compelled by our Jewish history and values, JFS is resolved to continue our unwavering support of immigrants and refugees, and to provide services to vulnerable people of all races, religions and ethnic backgrounds. We believe the proposed order creates a religious litmus test for refugees, which contradicts our values as an organization, a Jewish community and Americans.

This order comes at a time when we face a historic level of forced migration worldwide. Turning our backs during this crisis places the health, safety and lives of many refugees at risk.

We cannot forget the Jewish refugees who were turned away from our country while searching for safe harbor, only to die in the Holocaust. More than 250 passengers onboard the St. Louis perished after they were forced to return to Europe because the U.S. and Cuba refused them admission in 1939. During this week of Holocaust Remembrance Day, we must remember the world’s refugees need our help.