On Thursday, February 25, Pittsburghers will have an opportunity to hear and discuss experts’ insights on international and local refugee issues. The Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh has invited national experts to discuss and examine whether/how the Pittsburgh Jewish community can be welcoming to refugees and still maintain a safe community.
Three panelists — Aryeh Sherman, Mark Hetfield and Michael Kenney, PhD — a group with expertise in refugee resettlement and terrorism — will contribute informed views and invite attendees’ questions.
See event details and expert credentials: http://www.jfedpgh.org/refugee
“As American Jews, it is important to engage the community in a conversation about refugees,” said Cindy Goodman-Leib, chair of the Jewish Federation of Pittsburgh’s Community Relations Council (CRC). “Welcoming the stranger is an integral part of our tradition. More than 30 times throughout the Torah, we read about the importance of being welcoming. Many Jewish families have come to the United States as refugees, fleeing persecution and violence. At the same time, we must be mindful of our community’s safety and security. This program will help to inform us as we respond to today’s refugee crisis.”
“In speaking to our constituents in the community, we’ve come to realize that many people have limited information about the refugee crisis,” says CRC Director Josh Sayles. “An educated community is an empowered community. We are taking it upon ourselves to inform Pittsburghers about the difference between refugees and immigrants, the process of vetting refugees, and the potential challenges and dangers, if any, of welcoming them into our community. We feel the best way to accomplish this goal is in the form of a community conversation.”
The extensive knowledge of the three panelists at the Feb. 25 program will help program attendees understand the logistics and challenges of the refugee crisis.
“Jewish Pittsburgh and the Refugee Crisis: A Community Conversation” — to be held in Levinson Hall at the JCC, Squirrel Hill — will be free and open to the public.
For more information visit: http://www.jfedpgh.org/refugee.
To submit questions to the panelists before the program, contact Eric Probola, 412.992.5247 oreprobola@jfedpgh.org. Mr. Probola can also provide by-phone registration and program details.