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By Madison Warfel, Marketing & Communications Manager at Jewish Family Services of Delaware
At the Passover Seder, Jewish communities gather to tell the story of a People, afflicted with insecurity, wandering in search of safety.
The Jewish community knows what it means to be forced from their homes by violence or persecution. They know what it feels like to seek a place where they can raise their families in freedom and safety. They are a refugee people.
As we step into this Passover season and retell the story of the Jewish people’s search for freedom, we cannot help but think of the 120 million displaced people and refugees in the world today. Passover reminds us that all those who seek refuge from war, violence, and persecution are a part of the broader story.
Jewish Family Services of Delaware (JFS) has the unique privilege of representing the justice, compassion, and loving kindness of the Jewish people to the broader community. Through the JFS Refugee Integration and Support Effort (RISE) program, we have welcomed hundreds of refugee and immigrant families in recent years, helping these new Americans legally resettle in the United States and more quickly become contributing members to the Delaware community.
Gerald was forced to flee Haiti with his wife and two children in 2019 due to gang violence in his home country. “Haiti has no security because gang violence is so prevalent,” said Gerald. “They kill people, they kidnap people. And I can’t stay in Haiti. So, I left Haiti and came to the United States to save my life.”
JFS RISE case managers were able to help Gerald and his family find housing and food. They also helped him obtain a green card and enroll in college. Gerald now works part-time in the JFS RISE program. He has a passion for helping others and his infectious smile is a light to those on a similar journey to his.
Krystyna fled Ukraine with her husband and two children when Russia invaded their country in 2022. “Ukraine is very dangerous, we didn’t have a safe place because of the war. Many people have died,” said Krystyna. “I really hope the war finishes soon. This is very hard. But we are lucky because we are here now. And thank G-d we have a safe place here in Delaware.”
Krystyna and her family didn’t have any friends or relatives in Delaware when they arrived but found support through the JFS Rise Program. “When I need some help, I can call my case manager and she answers me every time. She’s been very helpful.”
In January of this year, the U.S. State Department issued a stop-work order, cutting off vital support to families who have already legally resettled in the United States and the recent executive order suspending any new arrivals of refugees. JFS is deeply disappointed by this decision.
Many people who have been waiting for years to come to the United States are now facing prolonged delays or outright denials, leaving them in limbo, often in dangerous situations back in their home countries or in refugee camps. The impact has been multi-faceted: while we continue to support those we can help, we are witnessing the emotional toll it takes on families who may never make it here, and the deepening challenges faced by the refugees already in the United States, who may struggle to access resources and legal protections.
JFS remains focused on protecting and fulfilling our deeply held Jewish values of making the world a better place, welcoming the stranger, and the obligation to act justly toward people in need. JFS and our dedicated staff and volunteers are committed to helping the clients we have welcomed settle into their new lives in Delaware.
The primary source of funding for our RISE program is federal dollars passed through Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS) and the State of Delaware. The future is uncertain for most of the funds we receive for continued work with refugees. We will continue to do the work for as long as we are able, and we will monitor the situation closely and stand by our mission.
CALLOUT BOX:
Visit jfsdelaware.org/donate or call 302.478.9411 to make a donation.
Please note that this piece was written in February and the circumstances surrounding U.S. Refugee Program and the JFS RISE Program may have changed. Please check jfsdelaware.org for updates on this situation.
This Passover, Refugees Need Our Help More Than Ever
