Still Supporting Refugees & Immigrants
Jewish Family Services of Delaware is leading a coalition of 27 faith and community groups who are ready, willing, and wanting to support and welcome refugees to our state. Compelled by our shared American values, spiritual convictions, and responsibility to humanity, we stand together in order to help some of the world’s most vulnerable people raise their families in freedom and safety.
The Executive Order signed on Friday bans all refugees from entering this country and further restricts the travel of people born in seven Muslim majority countries.
JFS has a long and proud history of advocating for and assisting newcomers to America as they build new lives and raise their families in Delaware. We are dedicated to strengthening individuals and families in our community. We are committed to caring for people when they are vulnerable. And we will always treat our neighbors with respect and dignity.
Guided by our Jewish values and history, JFS shoulders the responsibility of caring for people who seek refuge in the First State. We remain committed to reuniting families that have been separated by war, mobilizing communities to welcome them with open hearts, and helping them to build a new home in Delaware.
While it does not specifically target the refugee population currently living in the United States, the Executive Order has impacted the lives of refugees living here. Many of JFS’ refugee clients report feeling anxious and confused. But despite their fear, they feel confident and privileged to call Delaware home. They consider Delaware safe because the people of our state have stood up and said, in no uncertain terms, “refugees are welcome here.”
On International Holocaust Remembrance Day, we recalled that this nation shut its doors on refugees fleeing war, to deadly effect. At JFS, we believe that ‘never again’ means ‘never again for anyone.’ And we are resolved to continue providing services that support people of all races, religions, nationalities, and ethnic backgrounds during vulnerable times in their lives.
Basha Silverman
Chief Executive Officer
Jewish Family Services of Delaware
What can you do to help?
1. Share your story with HIAS so they can collect and share stories that illustrate the impact of this Executive Order. By filling out this form, you are granting your permission for these stories to be told publicly. These stories can include: Refugees who were expecting to come to the U.S.; U.S. residents who were expecting their family members to join them; Communities and congregations who were expecting to welcome refugees (i.e. furnishing apartments, collecting donations, etc.)
2. Spread facts, not fear. Read about Refugees in Delaware and share the information.
3. Show refugee families already living here that you stand with them. Write a card expressing a message of love, hope, and solidarity and drop it off at your local Jewish Family Services of Delaware office in Wilmington or Lewes >>.
4. Be compassionate. Be vocal. Be proud. As a JFS stakeholder, YOU make a difference. Every day, Jewish Family Services serves our neighbors during vulnerable times in their lives and acts on behalf of those who are disenfranchised. As a partner of our work, you too are a part of that service.