Agudath Israel on Immigration Family Separation Policy

Below is a blog post from Agudath Israel of America, in response to the recent US actions in separating children and parents of those entering the country possibly illegally. Taken out of context, these words look like they are sensitive to humanitarian suffering, noting the same persecution suffered by Jewish people over the ages.

However, despite the international media coverage of the Schlesinger twins (examples here and here), no chareidi spokesperson has ever voiced their concern regarding the forced separation from their mother under inexplicable and incomprehensible rulings, possibly due to outside influences. Neither does this author make any mention of the many custody cases where the full might of the community stands behind one parent with the sole intention of cutting off the other parent as much as possible. Often, the methods used are questionable to say the least.


The tragic case of Deb Tambor
Chareidi custody cases fundraising
Etty Ausch loses custody
Leaving the Chareidi community

More examples here, here, here and here.

Chabad Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky

This isn't the first time senior Rabbis have pretended they are caring individuals whilst presiding over the very persecution they are protesting against. Most notably, Chabad Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky who urged his Shluchim to "never fail to hear the cry of a child" subsequenty ignored over 1000 emails alerting him to the Chabad involvement in the Schlesinger case. Even more curiously, Chabad leaders don't even regard Rabbi Schneerson's teachings as particularly important or relevant.

Meanwhile, President Trump has reversed the policy in question. Are the Agudath Israel going to follow suit?

As published here and here.

Agudath Israel on Immigration Family Separation Policy
BY AVI SHAFRAN · JUNE 18, 2018


Agudath Israel of America expresses its deep concern and disappointment over the recently adopted policy of separating the members of families who have entered the United States illegally. It is a practice that has caused, and will continue to cause, profound suffering and pain to both parents and children.  We implore that the policy be immediately rescinded, and that affected families be reunited.

The problem of illegal immigration is a serious one, and we support reasonable efforts by the administration and legislature to effectively stem the flow of would-be immigrants who have not been accepted through the legal immigration system.

But the United States, a shining beacon of freedom in the world, must always exhibit humanity and compassion in its laws and policies.  Seeking to enforce our statutes does not relieve us of this moral obligation. The extreme anguish, fear and trauma born of separating undocumented immigrant family members, which is particularly harmful to children, deeply offend our highest values. It is wrong and unjustifiable.

As Jews, we find this practice particularly loathsome. For millennia, Jews in the diaspora have suffered many forms of persecution, including — among the most tragic — the forced breakup of our families. It is a punishment that neither parents nor children should ever have to endure.