Rabbi James Greene on Aiding Refugees Despite Government Resettlement Pause

About this Episode

Jewish tradition emphasizes welcoming the stranger. Many organizations like Jewish Family Service of Western Massachusetts live that value by helping to resettle refugees. But what happens when government policies make that nearly impossible? Rabbi James Greene, CEO of Jewish Family Service of Western Massachusetts, shares how his organization supports refugees —despite legal and financial obstacles. Greene discusses the impact of recent policy shifts, the power of community-driven advocacy and why helping newcomers to the country is central to Jewish tradition. Tune in for a powerful conversation on justice, resilience and the fight for a more welcoming world.

Theme song, “Ilu Finu” by Rabbi Miriam Margles. Her album This is the Day is available for purchase at CDBaby: https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/miriammarglesandthehadarensemb

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Episode Links

• Sign up for Evolve's free newsletter to stay up to date on the latest essays, videos and podcasts
• Read the Evolve Essay, "Praying in the Language of Welcoming: Refugee and Immigration Advocacy"
• Order "A Night of Questions," the Reconstructionist Haggadah
• Vote for the Hatikvah Slate in the World Zionist Congress elections
• Reconstructing Judaism Joins Federal Lawsuit in Defense of Religious Freedom and Opposition to ICE Policy
• Jewish Family Service of Western Massachusetts
• Refugee resettlement agencies cut staff and programs across New England
• Local resettlement agencies facing dire effects after Trump’s federal funding freeze
• Also by Rabbi James Greene, "Lessons From Transitioning in the Pandemic"