Rabbi Jill Jacobs, CEO of T’ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights, draws a striking parallel between the biblical story of Passover and contemporary US immigration policy.

The Ancient Story, A Modern Reflection

The Passover seder recounts the liberation of the Israelites from Egyptian slavery, after initially being welcomed as refugees. This year, Rabbi Jacobs notes, the story feels tragically relevant. An authoritarian ruler, like the Pharaoh of old, seeks to maintain power by instilling fear of an immigrant population.

“These people are not like us,” the ruler declares, according to Rabbi Jacobs. “They are a potential fifth column, likely to join with our enemies and destroy us from within!” “We can keep ourselves safe only by controlling and oppressing them.”

Supreme Court Case: *Noem vs. Al Otro Lado*

The Supreme Court is currently deliberating on Noem vs. Al Otro Lado, a case that could significantly alter the US approach to asylum seekers. The case centers on the constitutionality of the government’s policy of blocking asylum seekers from presenting themselves at ports of entry along the Mexican border.

Current US law mandates that asylum seekers be allowed to request asylum and receive a fair hearing. However, the US government has been preventing these requests, forcing individuals back to Mexico where they often face dangerous conditions without adequate support.

Torah's Teachings on Welcoming the Stranger

The Torah repeatedly emphasizes the importance of treating immigrants with justice and compassion. The commandment “You shall not wrong or oppress the ger,” (often translated as stranger or immigrant) appears 36 times, reminding Jews of their own history as refugees in Egypt.

The Torah stresses equal treatment under the law for all, including immigrants. God’s care for the ger is explicitly stated: “God loves the ger, and gives them food and clothing.”

A Cautionary Tale: Sodom

The Torah also presents a negative example in the story of Sodom, a city condemned for its inhospitable treatment of visitors and those in need. The prophet Ezekiel identifies the city’s failure to support the poor and needy as its primary sin.

“This was the sin of your sister Sodom,” Ezekiel declares. The Talmud recounts the story of a woman who was tortured and killed for secretly providing food to someone in need.

Religious Communities Respond

Rabbi Jacobs highlights the active response of religious communities to these issues. In late January, nearly 100 rabbis from T’ruah, along with 600 other clergy, protested ICE in the Twin Cities.

These leaders are actively embodying the teachings of their faith, advocating for just treatment and refusing to tolerate oppression. Rabbi Jacobs urges the Supreme Court justices to consider these shared scriptures as they deliberate on Noem vs. Al Otro Lado and act accordingly.