In late 2021, the IRRC welcomed an extended Afghan family of eleven. These were but a few of the almost 100,00 Afghans welcomed in the US over a short 10-month period. Maryam, on behalf of her extended family, spoke about her resettlement experience with IRRC in this way.
“IRRC is not just an organization, it’s hope for those people who need it the most. What happened in Afghanistan in August of 2021 was a nightmare that will stay with us forever. As a result, my family, and thousands of Afghani families, were relocated to the United States. “ She went on to explain that IRRC provided everything for the two families, such as a furnished house, transportation, access to healthcare, food, clothes, ESL classes, access to legal support, and assistance in finding jobs. “Each volunteer made us feel comfortable, guided us, and welcomed us with a big heart. By doing so, the IRRC proved that regardless of who we were, or to which faith we belong, the only thing that matters is our humanity. We will never forget this, and we hope to return the favor by being involved and helping other immigrant families from other countries, the same as how IRRC volunteers did for us.”
Our clergy have spoken of IRRC in this way.
“I am extraordinarily proud of our congregation for committing to this effort and of the many volunteers who are committing their time and expertise to welcome these Afghan refugee families,” says Rabbi Michael Friedman of Temple Israel. “This effort merges our deeply-cherished Jewish values with our families’ lived historical experience. The Torah calls upon us countless times to welcome the stranger, because we once knew oppression in the land of Egypt. Moreover, so many of us treasure our own family stories of a relative arriving in the United States with little to their name, often seeking shelter from persecution, committed to pursuing all the opportunities this nation had to offer. Now is our chance to help another family follow the same arc.”
“We know that the arrival of these families follows deep heartache and loss,” says the Rev. Vanessa Rose, Pastor of First Church. “While recognizing that pain, we hope that the love we poured into their new homes will spark new hope for them. In the midst of recent social division and isolation, the IRRC’s shared values of hospitality and our common belief that God calls us to welcome refugees and to love our neighbors as we love ourselves has created new friendships in service. First Church calls itself the church that says ‘yes.’ In our partner congregations, we have found that same willingness to be open hearted, and eager to respond to need.”
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