Today is Yom HaZikaron, the Day of God’s Remembrance. Let us remember: All of us are immigrants. Whether our ancestors came to this country to seek economic opportunity, to flee pogroms or discriminatory violence, to start over after narrowly escaping the clutches of death, or whether taken to the United States by force, we all have a story. Let us remember that story today.Â
Today is Yom HaDin, the Day of Judgement. Let us recognize: The fate of migrants, refugees and asylum seekers in this country is grim — a fate set by leaders who pedal in cruelty, fear-mongering, and violence. In the coming year, many will be ripped away from their families and sent to countries they have never known or where they will be subject to physical and sexual violence. Others will stay home from school, community, clinics, jobs out of fear. Let us hold them in our hearts today.Â
Today is Yom T’ruah, the Day of the Sounding of the Shofar. Let us listen to its cry: Wake up! The time to speak up is now. The time to act is now. The time for compassion is now. The time for another way forward is now. The time to protect, advocate, support, and show up is now. Let the cry of the shofar pierce our hearts and remind us of what we must do, together.Â
