A response to ICE activities in Minnesota

Dear Temple Family, 

I feel compelled to reach out to you at this most challenging time in our Nation’s history. The violence perpetuated against American citizens in Minnesota in the name of enforcing immigration laws including, most tragically, the killing of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, demonstrates a frightening and rapidly changing set of norms being perpetuated by our federal government. I know that many of us are experiencing a sense of heightened anxiety about the presence of ICE officers not only in Minnesota, Maine, New Orleans and Los Angeles but also here in San Antonio. Their immigration enforcement actions are not only something we read about in the news but affect people we know and care about. It’s possible you have witnessed ICE officers arresting someone in your own neighborhood. So, while the prospect of violence and mass protests in our city streets feels unimaginable, to just stand by, put our heads down and say and do nothing, also feels untenable.  

One can support a strong and consistent immigration policy without condoning the aggressive and cruel approach that ICE has taken in recent months and days. This state of chaos challenges the rule of law, the autonomy of each State, and the very constitution itself. Racial profiling, violent tactics, and lack of appropriate warrants and due process have led both noncitizens and citizens alike to live with a sense of fear.  

It is hard not to draw parallels to other moments in history, when protesters were punished, those who pushed back against cruel and undemocratic policies were targeted, and innocent victims were scooped up and taken away. Here in the United States, it occurred during the communist scares during and right after World War I and then again in the McCarthy era after World War II. It occurred during the Civil Rights Era of the 1950s and 60s and most viscerally for us as Jewish people, it occurred in Nazi Germany. 

As a Jewish community we are obligated to stand up for the foreigners among us. No less than 36 times, the Torah instructs us on how to treat them. God commands, “The stranger who resides with you shall be to you as one of your citizens; you shall love them as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt” (Leviticus 19:34). Rooted in our belief in the sanctity of each human life, our tradition calls on us to protect and fight for the dignity of all.  

One action you can take now is to join other Reform Jews in expressing your disapproval of ICE policies and actions by contacting your congressional representatives to urge them to reject an additional $10 Billion in Appropriations Funding for Immigration and customs Enforcement. Using this link from the Religious Action Center, you can voice your concern.  

In this moment of heightened anxiety and grief I pray for the families torn apart by our country’s immigrant policies, I pray for those braving the frigid cold to stand up for their constitutional rights to protest and document Federal law enforcement activities, I pray for the families of Renee Good and Alex Pretti and I pray for the future of our country. 

O Guardian of Life and Liberty may our nation always merit Your protection.  

Preserve our country and our democracy so that we might always be a light to the nations. Grant our leaders wisdom and forbearance to govern with compassion and justice in their hearts. Empower them to work for the day when liberty is proclaimed throughout the land for all. 

May our homes be safe from affliction and strife and our country be sound in body and spirit. Teach us to give thanks for what we have, by sharing it with those who are in need. Help us all to appreciate one another and to respect the many ways that we may serve You.  

May our citizens remember to do unto others as they wish others to do unto them; to love our neighbors as ourselves; to protect the widow, the orphan, and the stranger wherever they may be. Give us hope. Give us joy. Give us peace. AMEN 

If you feel like you would like to speak with a member of our clergy at this time, please do not hesitate to reach out. 

With prayers for peace, protection and tranquility for us all, 

Rabbi Mara Nathan