NCJW Weekly Advocacy Wrap-Up: December 3 |
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Afghan Families Need Our Help! |
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With approximately 45,000 Afghan men, women, and children still living on seven military bases around the country, there is a need to mobilize community resources to help guide these Afghan families through their early days and months in the USA. 700 more Afghan refugees are expected to come to the LA/LB area by the beginning of the year.
Together with partners in the American Jewish community, HIAS (a partner of NCJW, Inc.) is launching a network of Welcome Circles. The goal is to support Afghan refugees as they begin to acclimate to their new lives in their new communities. Among other things, each Welcome Circle will help secure housing, provide necessities like furniture and clothing, and assist in accessing government benefits such as schooling, food, and health care. HIAS will provide varied support to the circles, including dedicated staff, resources on best practices in resettlement, peer-to-peer mentoring, and technical expertise -- all designed to assist along the way.
This is an opportunity to act on our values. A group of NCJW members are interested in forming a Welcome Circle to support a family. If you would like to learn more and possibly join us, please contact Advocacy VPs Cynthia Gordon and/or Deb Lelchuk at advocacy@ncjwlongbeach.org.
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You are also invited to CELEBRATE HANUKKAH WITH HIAS:
Sunday, December 5 at 4 pm PT
Join HIAS for a community candle lighting to celebrate the last night of Hanukkah. We will gather virtually for a moment of shared reflection, song, and light, and to hear from activists across the country who are making a difference for refugees in their communities.
This is an opportunity for advocates, volunteers, and supporters to come together to acknowledge the work we are doing as a community, and to shine a light of welcome for the refugees, immigrants, and asylum seekers still on their journeys to safety.
Learn more and register here.
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Bright Futures 2021 Holiday Auction |
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Our Section is a member of the Orange County Jewish Coalition for Refugees. The need for support for Afghan Refugee Families is vital. Please support OCJCR in its efforts by doing your holiday shopping at this on-line Auction. You can view auction items and register to shop here.
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40 Nickels:
Film Screening & Conversation with the Director
Saturday, December 12 - 10 am via Zoom
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The Orange County Jewish Coalition For Refugee’s Film Series continues with a screening of 40 Nickels, a short film about an immigrant boy who rises above his family’s tragedies during the depression. Zoom ID: 810 7654 0699.
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2021 Homeless Memorial
Long Beach
Tuesday, December 21, 6 pm via Zoom
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Save the Date:
Tuesday, December 21, 6 pm via Zoom
for a multi-faith service to remember those lost this year and recommit ourselves to the fight to end homelessness.
Homeless Memorial Day, an annual event commemorated in more than 150 cities and counties across the United States, is a call to action to end homelessness in our cities, and in our nation. An important step in addressing homelessness is to assert the fundamental dignity of all persons – single adults, families, and youth – who are in situations of homelessness and poverty, and to work tirelessly to protect their basic human and civil rights. A proper memorial truly nurtures a spirit of community and compassion for all individuals.
This interfaith service will include prayer, reflection and remembrance, and music performances by local artists. The event will culminate in the reading of the names and lighting of candles for each person who has died.
On December 21st, take pause from work and everyday life and join us for this free, public event, to honor those who have died without homes.
More information will be provided soon.
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This past Wednesday the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments for Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, the case that seems more likely than ever to overturn Roe v. Wade, which could lead to millions of people, particularly low-income people of color, being forced to be pregnant.
In one proud moment, Justice Sotomayor lifted up the religious freedom argument NCJW prepared in an amicus brief filed earlier this year: “So when you say this is the only right that takes away from the State the ability to protect a life, that’s a religious view, isn’t it? Because it assumes that a fetus is life at– when? When do you suggest we begin that life?... ”
Restrictive abortion laws, rooted in just one understanding of when life begins, limit our ability to fully practice our religious tradition. We are grateful to Justice Sotomayor for ensuring these critical questions are asked and on the record.
National Council of Jewish Women is the central Jewish address protecting abortion access. But we can’t do it without your help. The stakes have never been higher. The threats have never been more real. The opposition has never been better organized.
We are grateful for your commitment to NCJW, and all you are doing to help bring light into the darkness in this Hanukkah season.
Warmly,
Sheila Katz
CEO, National Council of Jewish Women
Learn more about our Jewish movement for abortion access at 73Forward.org.
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