There is so much news it’s hard to focus. And, it’s hard to maintain focus. But, let’s be honest, this is just part of the strategy: distraction and disinformation. Part of my #30daysofaction is a resistance to the chaos of… Continue Reading
On day 15 of my #30daysofaction, I’m taking stock, reflecting on the work I’ve done and recommitting to the next 15 days. I am deeply relieved that I have made this commitment because it’s difficult and I see how easy… Continue Reading
Let me start with some historical context: At the December 1945 United Jewish Appeal conference, Jewish leaders from across the country and across political differences joined together to set the fundraising agenda for 1946. This would be the first full… Continue Reading
Today I was planning on sharing what I have been reading to learn and engage over the past 2 weeks. And, I believe strongly that a commitment to reading, listening and learning is a form of action. But, after yesterday’s… Continue Reading
This weekend, my commitment to action continued. But, I am also committed to my family and being together. Could I turn away from Twitter, from the news? Could I put my toddler to bed without hearing the cries of other… Continue Reading
This is an academic place to start, I admit it. But, I’ve been thinking a lot about Giorgio Agamben’s Remnants of Auschwitz lately. In particular, this sentence: “We will not understand what Auschwitz is if we do not first understand… Continue Reading
Day 2, #30daysofaction This is not the time to let up. The executive order signed yesterday does not alleviate the inhumane policy of detaining young children or of recognizing the legal right of migrants to claim asylum in our country.… Continue Reading
Today is World Refugee Day. And, Facebook just reminded me that last year on June 20, I posted this: “Today is World Refugee Day. A day to call attention to more than 65 million displaced people around the world: men,… Continue Reading
Looking for more historical precedents to contextualize the current refugee crisis? Check out the special issue of Holocaust and Genocide Studies on refugees – made available free from Oxford University Press. These essays help “narrow the gap between historical facts and rhetoric”… Continue Reading
HIAS has organized a campaign asking people to Stand up for Refugee Resettlement. You can (and should) TAKE ACTION NOW > In the wake of the Holocaust, when thousands of Jewish survivors and other refugees remained in camps, the United… Continue Reading