Yesterday I drove to San Antonio for a rally. It was organized by UT law students with backing up from several non-profits including RAC-tx. Many leaders, attorneys, and a physician spoke on the inhumane conditions that asylum seekers who are awaiting in the border towns for their hearings are suffering, including many statements directly from individuals whose voices wanted to be heard. We marched to the court houses, then the Jews present went for a lunch and de-briefing at temple Beth El. Though the march itself felt a little like an echo chamber for people who are already involved, our meeting afterwards proved very effective for networking and spinning viable ideas of how individual Jews and congregations can get work together to make a difference. In the end, it feels like many groups and orgs. are working on separate things, but if we can somehow join forces or coordinate efforts, we will be stronger. So getting to know all the pieces of the puzzle so that we can put together the jigsaw faster is key. Present at the meeting were the following people: Rabbis David Segal (hou), Mara Nathan (SA), Marina Yergin (SA), Virginia Raymond (deportation attorney AUS), Olga (need more info SA), Lori Stockstiel (NCJW-SA), Bryan Daves (hou), Sharon Greenwald (SA), Julia Paley (RAC-USA, DC), Claudia Sanchez (CBI- Aus). I think the most important points that we made was the need to have a coordinated effort based on work that Baker Ripley group is already doing w court monitoring, and the availability of grant money. Here are my notes:
Peter krause foundation grant million dollar rack immigrant asylum 4 yr initiative Cohort of synagogues in us and Canada Mini grants 5k immigrant justice project, if other org. use synagogue as partner In addition seeking ways reform movement can act as a whole What r ways to use that power talk to julia paley from Rac usa washington One court monitoring Can this be done in shifts in tx or around country? Data Supplied to aclu - legal tactics used Informs how lawyers are doing Large day of action scheduled April 19-21 san antonio- commission of social action Possibly travel to border and mini events to echo around country
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AuthorDaniela Weil is a kids' writer/illustrator who lives in Austin, and a member of Congregation Beth Israel. Daniela works as a volunteer there and for RAC-Tx. Archives
February 2020
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