I am a refugee! I was born a refugee, on a freight train, no less. I lived as a refugee in a displaced persons camp. I came to this golden land of opportunity as a refugee. (A bit of sleight of hand was involved—a story for another time.) Although my parents and I became citizens at our first opportunity, we were still refugees. We integrated into American society and contributed to society as best we could. Nonetheless—refugees.

“Immigrant.” Today that’s a loaded word with heavy political overtones. Of all people, we as Jews should resonate with refugees. From Egypt to Europe and many places and times in between, we are a nation of refugees. Our pedigree behooves us to extend a welcoming hand.

Carl A. Singer

Colonel, U.S. Army (Retired)

Passaic