Speaker to discuss Jewish response to the global refugee crisis

On June 6, 1939, the United States turned away the MS St. Louis, which carried almost 1,000 Jewish refugees fleeing the Holocaust. Following the refusal of the U.S., Canadian and Cuban governments to permit the passengers to disembark, the St. Louis sailed back to Europe. Of the 937 Jewish refugees on board, just over half survived the Holocaust.

On June 6, coinciding with the 79th anniversary of the St. Louis being turned away, Temple Emanu-El will welcome Rabbi Rachel Grant Meyer, director of education for community engagement at HIAS, a U.S. nonprofit that provides humanitarian aid and assistance to refugees.

Over the last year, the number of refugees and displaced persons across the world has grown to more than 65 million – more than at any time in history.

In her presentation, Rabbi Meyer will give an overview of the current crisis, grounded in a shared understanding of the plight of refugees. She will explore the Jewish values that command us to welcome the stranger. The program will also instruct attendees on ways to take action in support of refugees worldwide.

HIAS, which has been bringing Jewish refugees to safety for over 130 years, stands for a world in which refugees find welcome, safety and freedom. Jewish ethics drives its commitment to assist refugees and displaced persons of many backgrounds around the world.

In her work at HIAS, Meyer develops compelling educational materials, resources and programs to educate American Jews about refugee issues, connecting the plight of contemporary refugees to Jewish values and history. She also serves as an educator as part of an effort to inspire American Jews to help today’s refugees.

Rabbi Meyer will speak on Wednesday, June 6, at 7:30 p.m. at Temple Emanu-El, 99 Taft Ave.,  Providence. The program, presented by Emanu-El’s Social Justice Committee, is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Committee Chair Maia Brumberg Kraus at maiabkraus@gmail.com.

LEV POPLOW is a communications consultant. He can be reached at levpoplow@gmail.com.