(Courtesy of SAR HS) When Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowitz, founder and president of Uri L’Zedek, an Orthodox social justice organization, came to speak at SAR HS last spring, no one could imagine the impact that his visit would have on the students. This summer, five rising seniors traveled to Phoenix, Arizona, to help those seeking asylum in America acclimate to their new country.
“When I first arrived, I was met by Eddie Chavez Calderon, campaign director and former migrant,” said Yishama Orlow from White Plains. “We went right to a dollar store where we spent $79 on snacks and hygiene products and packed 40 bags for the asylum seekers (averaging $2 per bag). I started to reflect on my spending and considered how I could save money to donate, realizing that even $2 can go a long way.”
“The next day,” he continued, “we went to a church that doubles as a location where ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) drops off over 200 immigrants a day to be fed, bathed and prepared for the next leg of their journeys. I was tasked with sorting clothes from different donations, then I helped prepare food for an incoming bus. I was greeted warmly and got to work making sandwiches, heating up soup, and preparing food for the days to come. When we handed out the food, despite having been in holding cells for days and being fed minimally, everyone was very mindful of others and took only what they needed.”
“We prepared lunch for hundreds of people, including families with babies and distraught mothers,” said Jordana Rudolph, from Teaneck. “It was humbling to know we were the first non-police Americans they had encountered.”
“It was so meaningful to see how doing something as little as making a sandwich for someone could cause them to break down into tears,” added Matthew Ruben from Teaneck.
Every single one of the teens had a personal moment of reflection while hearing the stories of migrants traveling across nations to seek refuge here. They listened to women from Ecuador and Colombia who traveled thousands of miles through jungles and rivers, and to men from Senegal and Uganda who traveled to Mexico then to the U.S. to embark on their new lives.
“Having the opportunity to connect with and help people from all different parts of the world, learning about their cultures and attempting to speak to them in their native languages, was an experience we knew we wouldn’t get anywhere else,” said Harrison Brooks from Riverdale. “It was very meaningful to me and to the migrants when I attempted to speak bits of French and Spanish to them, as experiencing their languages gave them a sense of familiarity in an unfamiliar place. We were so fortunate not to just be able to provide them with food and supplies, but to help them embark on their new lives in the U.S.”
Said Adam Burian from New Rochelle: “No matter one’s political opinion, the experience was incredible. To see the migrants in their most vulnerable state and hear their stories was surreal. At first, I couldn’t figure out why people from West Africa would end up in Phoenix. They were going to New York! But after understanding the situation (and the issues) it started to become clear. One of the most powerful moments for me was when a man from Mauritania asked us where he was and the distance he was from his final destination, which was New York. Despite the language barrier, I was able to explain the situation using a map. I could not imagine being in his situation—having spent two weeks hiking in the heat with little to no food and water, crossing many borders, and still not knowing where you are. It must have been such a relief for him to finally understand what the last leg of the journey was to arrive at his new home.”
Throughout the next three days, the students helped the asylum seekers contact relatives, buy plane tickets, shower and find clothes. They also stocked the Humanitarian Bus and distributed cold water, clothing and food to thousands of unsheltered people in downtown Phoenix.
“It gave me incredible inspiration to see the overwhelming amount of compassion and drive of SAR students who have visited to support vulnerable populations,” said Chavez Calderon. “They could have been doing literally anything else and yet they chose to fly across the country and fight the heat to provide food and aid to migrant families. It was also moving to see the students use their Jewish ethics as a grounding for why they are helping strangers. They had a chance to learn from Rabbi Ian Pear as he taught that Darchei Shalom can be used to highlight and motivate our support of the ger (stranger). As a former undocumented migrant, it meant the world to me to have them save lives with me.”
The experience left a lasting impact on all of the students. “Being there and seeing how our work was truly helping these people reinforced the feeling that I was capable of joining in the mission of Tikkun Olam, fixing this broken world,” says Yishama. “I spoke with many of the staff about what the mission of tikkun olam meant for them and while many saw it as a personal need to help, others’ motivation was derived from the Torah’s recurring mandate to help the ger, or stranger. Hearing the stories from these asylum seekers, my mind constantly drew parallels to our journey through the midbar, desert, and the feeling that we received once we had finally made it to our home in Israel. When we were in the midbar we wanted to reach the Promised Land in Israel, and these people strive to make it to a land of promise, America. I am invigorated to do my part in fixing the world, and I strive to exhibit the same kindness, love and ambition as my colleagues in Arizona.”
“We’ve been blown away by the commitment of the SAR students who have visited us near the border. These students have big questions, rigorous discipline and a real passion for serving. We’re so inspired to see how bright our Modern Orthodox future will be with role models like these emerging in leadership who understand that our particularistic commitments are intertwined with our universalistic commitments, that we must build Am Yisrael and also work for the betterment of society and stand up for the most vulnerable,” said Rabbi Yanklowitz.
Those interested in volunteering for Uri L’Tzedek or learning more about the program should email [email protected].
