Western Mass Jewish Activists for Immigration Justice
Ending child-asylum-seeker detention
They come in shackles. They hold their shackled wrists up to the bus window and blow kisses. We hold hearts and shout, “Lo queremos” (We love you) and “No estan solos” (You are not alone).But are they alone? Even the one who manages to open the slot at the back of the bus and poke …
Continue reading “REFLECTIONS ON WITNESSING AT THE AIRPORT: What if This Were a Train to Auschwitz?”
We are here. We have witnessed. We have prepped and served. We have crossed to the tent camps. We have hugged. We have witnessed shackled migrants already boarded on buses at the airport. We chanted to them and held banners and hearts for them to see. We have cried. We have witnessed in the Tent …
Eyewitnesses from Jewish Activists for Immigration Justice delegation to the US/Mexico border share their deepest takeaway AND a list of public reportbacks in Western Massachusetts.
A few times when I’ve been witnessing this week at the spot where people come off the bridge from Mexico, I’ve wondered if our actions were making a difference—especially when we’ve discovered and participating in so many opportunities to roll up your sleeves and get involved directly with helping the refugees. Haven’t the people of …
Here we are, on the Brownsville/Matamoros Border, the place we’ve been talking about going to for months. Here we are, with our passion, our commitment, and our privilege, ready to do what we can to connect, to support, to witness, and to protest.We got up early this morning to meet Melba Lucio, director of the …
Immigration Activist Josh Rubin, Who Helped Close Two Migrant Teen Prisons, to Speak/Show Film in Northampton, December 17
This press release was sent around the Valley to media and organizations. You are welcome to share it. “Praying With Our Feet”: Jews and Allies Around the Valley to Converge for Immigration Justice Ceremony October 6, Northampton For Release: Thursday, September 26, 2019 Contact: Shel Horowitz, 413-586-2388, shel at greenandprofitable.com Event Summary: Valley-wide Rally and …
Continue reading “Press Release for October 6, 2019 Immigration Justice Tashlich”
What an amazing day at the mass rally to shut down Homestead Detention Center! Hundreds of people, both locals and out-of-towners like us, showed up for a spirited, passionate rally and march, despite drenching rain and some logistical issues (like the extra porta-potties that were ordered never showing up, leaving exactly one–and a need to …
Continue reading “Powerful Spirit: Father’s Day Rally at Homestead Detention Center”
Here’s what we learned from our AFSC training on the key reasons to shut down the Homestead Child Detention facility. It is a prison. The individuals who are there asked for asylum at the border, which is their legal right under international law. Yet instead of being immediately released to a sponsor or family member …
An inspiring, saddening, exhausting day. We’ve been meeting several courageous, hardworking volunteers who show up almost daily to bear witness to what is happening at Homestead. They are friendly, upbeat, helpful. We spent part of the morning standing on ladders, holding heart signs, waving and shouting slogans of solidarity to the 12-17 year olds waiting …
