The Power of Community: SAJ’s Path to the HIAS Pathways Trailblazer Award
Image created by The Photographic Muslim
True change happens when people come together. As an immigration lawyer, I’ve dedicated my career to creating positive change in the world helping and guiding my clients through the immigration process. Guided by these values of helping others I surround myself with fellow individuals who not only share those same values but embody the passion for making a change in their everyday life. As a member of the Society for the Advancement of Judaism (SAJ), my synagogue has been able to come together to make a real impact not only on the local community but beyond through local initiatives created and run by myself and my fellow congregants. As a result of these impactful initiatives and congregants who are instilling change in the world, my congregation, SAJ, was awarded the Pathways Trailblazer Award from the renowned organization, Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS).
Founded in 1903, HIAS is one of the world’s oldest refugee agencies. Originally established by the Jewish community to help fellow Jews seeking refuge, HIAS has evolved into a global initiative, aiding those fleeing persecution and seeking safety. With an expanded mission to help refugees of all ethnicities, religions, and backgrounds, the organization has become a global humanitarian aid and advocacy organization dedicated to helping individuals and families who are forcibly displaced find safety and comfort. While the organization has expanded internationally, it continues to honor and respect its traditional Jewish roots. Each year the organization awards a select number of congregations for their work on aiding and advocating for displaced people around the world based on three tiers; trailblazer, leadership, and partner awards. I’m proud to announce that SAJ was awarded the prestigious HIAS Pathways Trailblazer Award, recognizing our synagogue as one of the top congregations in the country that have led unique projects, volunteer efforts, or emergency responses to crises.
The HIAS Pathways Trailblazer Award was a culmination of the congregation from my synagogue, where various individuals’ hard work and dedication were recognized including my very own legal clinic. In May, I co-founded the SAJ/CRS Pro Se Legal Clinic in partnership with my synagogue, SAJ, and Congregation Rodeph Sholom (CRS). Together, we created a bi-weekly free clinic dedicated to helping eligible individuals with the process of obtaining their employment authorization documents and social security numbers. Along with the support from CRS and SAJ, the clinic has received support and volunteers from Calvary Baptist Church, making it a true multi-denominational effort. With a passionate and driven team of volunteers, the clinic has helped over 50 people and shown that with teamwork and determination, real change can happen. Although my clinic was recognized by HIAS, it’s not the only initiative that helped SAJ receive this outstanding award.
Along with my efforts with the free clinic, the award also recognized the initiatives of fellow congregants as they strive to help displaced individuals both locally and beyond. One of the recognized initiatives was a sewing class organized by Witness to Mass Incarceration, led by a fellow SAJ congregant. The class, also held at our synagogue, was designed to help immigrants in NYC learn the skills of tailoring to help them in their job search and build their skills for a future job. Another initiative recognized was the hard work of fellow congregant Ruth Messinger. The former Manhattan Borough President, Messinger has spearheaded several initiatives and discussions within the community on immigration issues, being a leading voice for Manhattan and the other boroughs. Complementing the work of fellow congregants, the award also highlighted the congregation’s advocacy for immigrant rights to local officials and its dedication to informing and educating the younger generation on immigration issues and immigrant rights. Altogether, the award symbolizes the impact of teamwork, and how our congregation’s joint effort in advocating for immigration rights does not go unnoticed.
The HIAS Pathways Trailblazer Award is a reminder to all of us that when we come together, change can truly happen. Together, the possibilities are endless, and with hard work, passion, and determination, we can make a difference in our local communities and beyond.