Hundreds packed a synagogue in La Jolla on Thursday night to join political and religious leaders in demonstrating support for refugees in the wake of President Trump’s 120-day ban on their admission.
“We Jews have seen America at its best. In generations past, our families were given opportunities,” said Rabbi Yael Ridberg of Congregation Dor Hadash in Carmel Valley.
“But we also know what it looks like for America to turn its back on refugees,” she said, referring to restrictive immigration policies that blocked Jews fleeing the Holocaust.
City Councilwoman Barbara Bry said it is morally wrong to ban refugees and economically shortsighted because of their later contributions to society. A number of San Diego entrepreneurs were once refugees, she noted, including the future co-founder of Qualcomm, whose family fled Facist Italy.
“I believe it’s our moral duty to offer a safe haven to those fleeing for their lives,” she said. “Where would we be if we closed the door on Qualcomm co-founder Andrew Viterbi?”
The crowd estimated at over 500 filled the hall at Congregation Beth El, with many people standing. The event was organized by the Jewish Federation of San Diego County, the Anti-Defamation League of San Diego County, the Leichtag Foundation and Jewish Family Service of San Diego.
Assemblymember Todd Gloria told the crowd his own “Native American Puerto Rican Filipino Dutch Gay” background makes him especially sympathetic to those banned. He said lawmakers in Sacramento are taking steps to protect immigrants and refugees, even at the cost of losing some federal funding.
“We will be a beacon of hope, not just to the people of California, but the people throughout the country,” he said.
Jewish Family Service has settled 3,800 refugees of all backgrounds since 2005. Because of the ban, 129 people set to come to San Diego will have to wait.
“For nearly 100 years, we have been welcoming the stranger,” said Michael Hopkins, CEO of the agency. “Not because they’re Jewish, but because we’re Jewish.”
