San Diego Jewish leaders and organizations scheduled a public forum Thursday to discuss the Jewish tradition of welcoming refugees in the wake of President Trump’s 120-day ban on admissions.
The forum is being convened by the Anti-Defamation League of San Diego County, Jewish Family Service of San Diego, the Jewish Federation of San Diego and the Leichtag Foundation.
“At Jewish Family Service of San Diego, we are deeply distressed and heartbroken by this executive order that betrays our value of ‘welcoming the stranger’ — it halts help for families who have lost everything and are fleeing from war and persecution,” said Michael Hopkins, CEO of the organization.
The organization helps settle refugees in the San Diego area and has more than 125 cases involving all religions and backgrounds in its pipeline.
At Thursday’s forum, rabbis and thought leaders will discuss steps that community members can take to support refugees.
Organizers said “Jewish history and tradition puts us at the forefront of welcoming the stranger” and noted that American Jews were once refugees themselves.
The event takes place form 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Congregation Beth El at 8660 Gilman Drive in La Jolla. Registration is available online.
