For Members:
FAQs
What is the purpose
of the Coalition?
Why convene
a Coalition now?
What is the purpose of the Coalition?
Why convene a coalition now?
We are experiencing the most significant forced displacement crisis since World War II: 70.8 million people are displaced around the world, including 25.9 million refugees and 3.5 million asylum seekers. An Executive Order caps the number of refugees to be resettled in the US in this Federal Fiscal Year (Oct. 1, 2019 – Sept. 30, 2020) at an all-time low of 18,000. Policies and regulations have been put in place to deny refugees and asylum seekers of their rights to safety and protection. Rampant xenophobia attacking all migrants in both policy and rhetoric poisons toxifies our political climate. And amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, we know that we are only as strong as the most vulnerable.
The Coalition convenes the Jewish community of Greater Los Angeles to act in support of refugees, asylum seekers, and other migrants by engaging in learning and dialogue; connecting to volunteer opportunities; and advocating with a Jewish voice for public policies in the face of a national movement to limit entrance.
Why a Jewish Coalition?
The refugee experience is close to the heart of Jewish Americans. Our families tell stories of escaping from pogroms, the Holocaust, expulsion from the Middle East and North Africa, revolution in Iran, or the systemic antisemitism of the Soviet Union. That history and values of tikkun lam compel us to meet this crisis with a movement of welcome for all. Moreover, the Torah commands us to welcome the stranger 36 times – more than any other commandment.
Who can be a member of the Coalition?
Congregations, Jewish civic and communal groups, and individual at-large advocates, who will have a voting voice via representation on the Steering Committee.
What does membership involve?
Assigning 1-2 representatives to serve as liaisons to the Coalition (institutions only). Attendance, when possible, at quarterly meetings. Participation in at least one educational, volunteer or advocacy effort each year. Permission to list your name as a Coalition member on website and in publications.
Is there a financial commitment?
None at this time. If this were to change, a formal vote will be conducted per bylaws.
What is the time commitment?
Attendance when possible at quarterly meetings with opportunities to speak out, learn more, ask and act with purpose in between.
How do issues get identified?
Issues regarding refugees, asylum seekers, and asylees are identified by HIAS on a national (and occasionally state) level, just as they do with over a dozen other similar coalitions around the country.
Additional issues of particular concern to Los Angeles may be identified by local leadership in the broader scope of immigration.
How do decisions
get made?
Decisions are made by consensus as a group and by email among the leaders if action is indicated in between quarterly meetings.
Can my organization as a 501 c3 legally advocate? What are the rules?
Yes. We can organize a training about this for those who want to learn more.
