Synagogues Show Solidarity With Detained Immigrants on Holy Day

On Tisha B'Av, the holy day commemorating the destruction and expulsion of Jewish communities throughout history, some synagogues in New Jersey chose to show their solidarity with immigrants and refugees of today.

Rabbi Elliott Tepperman of the Bnai Keshet Reconstructionist Synagogue helped plan a vigil in front of the Elizabeth Detention Center, which holds approximately 300 immigrants being processed for deportation. Tepperman said Tisha B'Av, which takes place until sundown on Tuesday, is a reminder of that Jews were also once strangers in a strange land.

"We are powerfully aware of the vulnerability of immigrants in the United States, whether they're here undocumented, whether they're refugees. And we know what it feels like to be that immigrant, and we know what it feels like to be vulnerable," Tepperman said.

Jews around the world mark Tisha B'Av by lighting candles and chanting from the Book of Lamentations. Tepperman said the group of seven synagogues along with multi-faith partners gathering in front of the detention center on Monday at sundown would do the same.

The Elizabeth Detention Center has been the site of other protests and actions in support of immigrants since President Trump took office.