Banner Drop Day of Action
On October 6th, the Kehilla Immigration Committee participated in a statewide action to protest the 68 deaths from COVID that have already occurred in California’s jails, prisons and ICE detention centers and demand that Governor Newsom use his authority to prevent the further unnecessary outbreaks and deaths. Faith communities and many organizations displayed banners and […]
Sanctuary Task Force Update
The Sanctuary Task Force was prepared to welcome a new guest at Kehilla this week, but, sadly, the cruel system which funnels immigrants who earn parole from prison directly to ICE detention prevented this from happening. Patricia Waller, a lawful permanent resident who was originally from Belize and who is a survivor of many years […]
Action to Save Lives at San Quentin
A number of Kehilla members participated in an action at San Quentin on July 19, 2020, some in person and some virtually. Rabbi David was one of the faith leaders who spoke. You can hear him here starting at minute 25 or read his words here. Thanks to Sabine Gillespie for the great banners! We […]
Immigration Committee Update: Luis
After sheltering at Kehilla for 3 1/2 weeks, our guest, Luis, returned to Sacramento. Despite the challenges of hosting a guest during a pandemic, we were able to provide a safe, restful place for Luis, clothing, home cooked meals, physically distanced visits and other support. We learned that advance planning pays off but that we […]
Immigration Committee Housing Request
As you know, many members of our community have been involved in sponsoring, hosting or accompanying newly arrived immigrants. Through this program, we have worked with four young transgender women from Mexico and Central America who fled persecution and came to the US seeking asylum. Two are currently living with host families, who provide housing […]
Update on the Kehilla Immigration Committee’s Accompaniment Work
Lili Shidlovski, Carol Rothman, Julie Litwin Accompaniment Coordinating Subcommittee Kehilla’s accompaniment teams and housing hosts have been busy in new ways because of the coronavirus pandemic. Over the past 5 years, Kehilla members have hosted refugees and asylum seekers in their homes and have formed teams to assist them to get settled and feel welcome […]
Welcoming the Stranger – New Guest at Kehilla!
The Sanctuary Task Force is thrilled to report that Luis Alberto Escobar has been released from Mesa Verde detention facility (due to Covid-19 risk) and is now sheltering in place with us at Kehilla in our guest suite (formerly Miriam’s Well)! Luis Alberto arrived May 1st and will be with us for a short time […]
Demand Release of People Detained by ICE!
There are many lawyers and advocates working as hard as possible for the release of people detained by ICE, especially those particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 due to age or underlying medical conditions. Detained people live in very crowded conditions with little access to soap and have no masks. Those detained are terrified and desperate to […]
