Work, Worship, and Welcome: How BJ’s Justice Initiatives Are Changing Lives

Over the past year, we’ve deepened our justice work across a wide range of issues, guided by BJ’s history and rooted in community.

This year reminded us what’s possible when we continue to show up—for one another and for the world we hope to build. Below, you will find a few recent glimpses into that ongoing work.

Nearly two years ago, we began inviting new New Yorkers living in shelters near BJ to a weekly respite dinner at the synagogue. Since then, we’ve watched families from various countries in Latin America come together as a community alongside our volunteer team. True to the respite function, the grownups sit together and talk while their children chatter amongst themselves, draw and play with the toys, balls and board games that fill the space.

Among the most spirited of the kids is eight-year-old Christian, a talented break dancer and a leader in games. One night in March, Christian left the other kids to ask a group of adult volunteers if we had heard of “Dr. Luther King,” whom he had learned about in school. When we said we had, he asked if we knew “the song.” Somewhat baffled, we suggested “We Shall Overcome,” but that wasn’t the answer he was seeking. After a few more incorrect guesses, he asked for our phones and then proceeded to search for YouTube videos featuring MLK, a book his teacher had shown them, and pictures from the assassination of Dr. King. His enthusiasm and determination to tell us what he had learned was remarkable.

His main interest was in King’s accomplishments. He solemnly told us that after King, “Black boys and white boys could sit together in school” and that King believed in “freedom.” He scrolled through YouTube for a video of the March on Washington which he said “hundreds and hundreds” of people had attended. With great delight, he repeatedly pointed out that there were both Black people and white people behind Dr. King on the podium. This very energetic little boy, who had spoken only Spanish just a year earlier, told us that Dr. King “had a dream,” and then found a video of the “I Have a Dream” speech and insisted that the adults listen while he sat and watched alongside us.

It was moving to see Christian sharing what he had learned, discovering the principles of democracy with the help of what must be a very talented public school teacher. We felt that we had witnessed something special, something to remind us of the progress that was possible as these asylum-seeking families adjusted to their new lives.

There is a denouement to this story, both sad and happy. Two weeks ago, Christian’s family left New York City to live with relatives in Canada. Christian and his little brother, mother, grandmother and uncle were integral parts of our Thursday night community. We miss them. It feels ironic that Christian, the child who was inspired by the words of Dr. King may well be safer in Canada than in the country that Martin Luther King dreamed would be a safe place for everyone to grow up in and thrive.

—Betty Jane Jacobs & Debra Kalmuss

The day began early—meeting up with Rabbi Jessica Lenza and other members at BJ before we took an Uber through heavy traffic along 125th Street and over the RFK Bridge. We were dropped off in the Rikers Island parking lot, where we checked in at what felt like a makeshift trailer and then waited at a bus stop to be transported across a long bridge onto the island. The process continued with another check-in at a different building, followed by yet another bus ride to reach the designated facility where worship services were being held that day.

We met the Riker’s chaplain, Rabbi Gabe, in a parking lot, secured our belongings in his car, and proceeded through security. Walking across the campus, I was struck by the numerous temporary structures that had clearly become permanent—a visual reminder of the facility’s ongoing struggles with infrastructure and resources. To enter the gated area, we had to call for a guard to unlock the gate. Being outside, but feeling as if in a cage, was a strange and disorienting experience. The scale of the island itself was striking, as was the realization of how expensive it is to maintain such a facility and house individuals there.

We gathered in a multipurpose room where stackable chairs were arranged in a circle across what appeared to be a gymnasium floor. After introductions, Rabbi Jess handed out prayer sheets and led us through a short service and discussion. Many of the individuals present weren’t Jewish but seemed drawn to the program for a variety of reasons. I learned that it’s apparently common for people in custody to engage with Jewish cultural programming in the absence of other activities. Some request kosher meals—not only for religious reasons but because the individually-wrapped Kosher options provide protection against food tampering.

One exchange particularly resonated with me: an individual currently incarcerated shared thoughtful reflections on gratitude and the importance of letting go of resentment during our discussion after services. His humility and thoughtful expression were genuinely inspiring.

The bureaucratic maze we navigated just as visitors was exhausting and served as a sobering reminder that families and legal representatives face these same hurdles regularly, often under even greater scrutiny. For them, these visits aren’t voluntary, but necessary to connect with loved ones or clients.

Perhaps the most profound part of the visit was its temporary nature. While the day left me physically and emotionally drained, I had the privilege of returning home. The individuals we met remain there. Many of them have not yet been convicted of any crime, but are simply awaiting their trials. That stark contrast between my temporary discomfort and their indefinite confinement continues to weigh on me as I process the experience.

—Benjamin Laufer

This spring, the BJ-supported Refugee Employment Partnership (REP) quietly entered its eighth year. This successful, independent nonprofit was launched in 2017, as an outgrowth of a social action committee organized by Rabbi Shuli Passow and has thrived thanks to BJ’s ongoing support as well as other donors. Led by BJ member Richard Fields, and run full-time by BJ members David Coleman and Shirley Abraham, REP leverages volunteer mentoring, personal networking, and outreach to local employers to help legally documented refugee job-seekers overcome barriers to employment. To date, over 240 individuals have found meaningful work through REP – able to support themselves and their families, and contribute to the local economy.

One example of success: A small commercial law firm, where a partner is a BJ member, hired a receptionist through REP five years ago. The hire, an experienced manager from Afghanistan, with a college degree performed his role excellently and was later promoted to Paralegal/Assistant Office Manager. The BJ congregant, Seth Akabas of Akabas & Sproule, recently said, “The REP hire was a terrific hire. He’s a dedicated worker, often going beyond the call of duty, and is personable and well-liked by all; he’s become an invaluable part of our team.” That REP client is now supporting his wife and children–ages 4 to 16–in Flushing, Queens. He credits REP’s mentoring and support for his success. Before connecting with REP, he had been searching for work for over a year without receiving a single job offer.

Yet, amid current federal crackdowns on immigration and financial cutbacks at partner resettlement agencies, the demand for REP’s services has surged. That’s why REP is urgently asking for our community’s support connecting with reputable businesses and nonprofit employers.

Can you help?

REP is calling on BJ congregants to scroll through their contact lists, check LinkedIn accounts, and make introductions to employers who might be open to hiring a carefully vetted refugee. REP candidates span all skill levels, from entry-level workers to highly educated professionals. They come from countries all around the world, are all legally authorized to work in the U.S., and are eager to contribute. They have already obtained immigration statuses as Refugees or Asylees.

For employers: participating in the REP program is simple and often quite beneficial to staffing efforts. There is no cost, no paperwork, and no formal contract to partner with REP. All we ask is a commitment from someone with hiring authority to occasionally review thoughtfully selected and submitted candidate submissions from the REP staff.

If you have a lead on a potential employer or a helpful suggestion please contact:

• David Coleman: dcoleman@refugeeemployment.org
• Shirley Abraham: sabraham@refugeeemployment.org

Or stop by REP’s office on the Mezzanine Floor in the BJ Community House.

We are grateful to this community’s assistance during this difficult and stressful time for New York’s immigrant community.

—David Coleman and Richard Fields