JCA Blog
40,000 + 100
Yesterday, as many as 40,000 people from around Minnesota Marched for Immigration with Dignity. This gathering--possibly the largest of its kind EVER to make its way to the steps of the State Capitol--signaled the willingness of Minnesotans from all walks of life to STAND UP to the hatemongerers, to the zenophobes, to the racists and say YES to the rights of hard-working, honest immigrants, regardless of their nation of origin or their current status.
But among the 40,000, about 100 people, members of Jewish Community Action, marched with a white banner proclaiming our organizational affiliation and alliance with immigrants in their struggle. Yes, we were only a tiny fraction of the marchers, most of whom were immigrants from many Mexico, Central and South America, and many other countries around the globe, but our presence there was significant.
We showed that Jews can be allies in the struggles of others, that Jews understand what it was like to "have been a stranger in a strange land," that Jews understand the significance of the injunction "zakhor" (remember!), that Jews can understand who we are while offering support to others in their struggles.
Most of all, the presence of Jewish people and Jewish Community Action on April 9th, 2006 demonstrated that we will act from our values to work for justice for everybody.
As we prepare for the holiday of Passover, during which we annually recount the ancient Israelite exodus from Egyptian bondage, let us keep in our hearts and minds the understanding that many others still struggle for their liberation from bondage and oppression, and let us deepen our commitment to freedom and justice for all.
Hag sameach - a zeisen Pesach - happy and healthy Passover.
Yesterday, as many as 40,000 people from around Minnesota Marched for Immigration with Dignity. This gathering--possibly the largest of its kind EVER to make its way to the steps of the State Capitol--signaled the willingness of Minnesotans from all walks of life to STAND UP to the hatemongerers, to the zenophobes, to the racists and say YES to the rights of hard-working, honest immigrants, regardless of their nation of origin or their current status.
But among the 40,000, about 100 people, members of Jewish Community Action, marched with a white banner proclaiming our organizational affiliation and alliance with immigrants in their struggle. Yes, we were only a tiny fraction of the marchers, most of whom were immigrants from many Mexico, Central and South America, and many other countries around the globe, but our presence there was significant.
We showed that Jews can be allies in the struggles of others, that Jews understand what it was like to "have been a stranger in a strange land," that Jews understand the significance of the injunction "zakhor" (remember!), that Jews can understand who we are while offering support to others in their struggles.
Most of all, the presence of Jewish people and Jewish Community Action on April 9th, 2006 demonstrated that we will act from our values to work for justice for everybody.
As we prepare for the holiday of Passover, during which we annually recount the ancient Israelite exodus from Egyptian bondage, let us keep in our hearts and minds the understanding that many others still struggle for their liberation from bondage and oppression, and let us deepen our commitment to freedom and justice for all.
Hag sameach - a zeisen Pesach - happy and healthy Passover.
posted by Jewish Community Action Staff at 5:29 PM
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