Apr 10, 2023

Local Rabbis Explore Plight of Refugees on Mexican Border

Just before the start of Passover, 15 South Florida rabbis traveled with the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS) to the Mexican border, between San Diego and Tijuana, as part of a mission organized by the Rabbinical Association of Greater Miami (RAGM). Accompanying the clergy were professionals from Jewish social service agencies, including Federation’s primary social services partner agency Jewish Community Services of South Florida, which is resettling refugees, such as those fleeing Afghanistan and Ukraine during the past year.

Among many activities, the participants visited a makeshift refugee shelter in Tijuana and met with aid workers, who explained the plight of those fleeing political and sexual violence. Participants also learned of the remarkable sheltering work of the local Jewish Family Services, which has assisted more than 22,000 individuals since the beginning of the year. “We flew across the country to learn about the horrible crisis of asylum seekers and refugees,” said Rabbi Frederick L. Klein, RAGM Executive Director. 

Rabbi Mario Rojzman, RAGM President, remarked, “Our tradition teaches us that 30 days before a Jewish holiday, one should begin studying the laws and traditions of that holiday; our journey together was our spiritual preparation for our own Passover seders.”

To learn more about the meaning of this special mission, read Rabbi Klein’s blog in the Times of Israel.