Faith & Action for New New Yorkers
A call for messages on welcoming the stranger, new online resources from ICNY, and NYC Council's guide to vital resources for immigrants, workers, tenants, and more.
Faith in Action
“Our most sacred Jewish texts, which recount our community’s history of persecution and migration, emphasize the importance of treating newcomers with kindness. In a moment when violent rhetoric against immigrants, Jews and other populations is being used as a political tool, we know that the safety of all communities is intertwined, that our futures are connected. We were welcomed, we welcome others, and we will always stand for welcome.”
—Excerpted from "Prayer for Our Country" by Rabbi Lauren Grabelle Herrmann of SAJ Synagogue and ICNY Board Member Ruth Messinger.
Welcome to the second edition of "Faith & Action for New New Yorkers." We are compiling advocacy updates and resources to help you support new migrants and asylum seekers. We also want to share reflections from faith leaders and community members explaining how their religious traditions call them to welcome these new New Yorkers, and to serve the most vulnerable amongst us.
We invite ordained and lay leaders of faith communities to contribute reflections for the series. Messages should be brief (roughly 150 words) and describe how your faith informs your work. We are happy to work with you on a new message or republish messages you shared elsewhere—in a sermon, an interview, etc.—as long as we can obtain permission to do so.
Let us know if you’re interested by filling out this very short form or emailing brennan@interfaithcenter.org. Thank you.
Resources
Here are the resources you need to see this week.
The Interfaith Center of New York is pleased to announce the launch of our new ‘Resources’ page on our website.
The first place to check for sanctuary guidelines, professional tools, safety resources, and more is ICNY’s new 'Resources' page. This comprehensive collection of materials supports faith communities, nonprofit organizations, and professionals seeking to navigate critical issues related to immigrant rights, interfaith engagement, and social justice advocacy. The page offers up-to-date information on best practices, legal protections, and actionable steps to ensure that all New Yorkers—regardless of background—can access the support they need.Access and share the resources from ICNY’s website: https://interfaithcenter.org/migrant-support-resources/
Everyone should stay informed on how current events impact them and be prepared for situations such as ICE raids, housing crises, and other challenges in these difficult times.
Access the NYC Council’s Know Your Rights Master List, a comprehensive guide to vital resources for immigrants, workers, tenants, and more. This document provides key information on legal protections, social services, and advocacy organizations available to all New Yorkers. Stay informed and empowered—view the full guide here.
We hope these resources help you meet this moment. You're encouraged to share this substack with others in your network who are committed to serving the most vulnerable amongst us.