On America’s 250th Birthday, We Must Light The Way With Joy
Dear Editor:
The United States of America is a nation of immigrants. Jews in this country have benefited from the immigration system, as today’s refugees seek to do. This land proved a safe haven for the Jewish people through a Spanish Inquisition that lasted until 1834. The Russian pogroms of the late 19th and early 20th centuries brought many Jews here as well. As World War II ravaged Europe, the United States welcomed some of our people but closed its borders to many more. We cannot let that repeat itself. A rising tide raises all Jews: When we achieve legal victories, it’s a win for all. Why not allow others to avail themselves of the benefits of this great country?
The United States’ legal system for immigration is one that many people seek to avail themselves of. Let’s make that system work for hardworking people with no criminal background or history who just want to live freely. It is harmful and wrong to use terms such as “illegal aliens.” People are seeking asylum, going through the legal process, and waiting for their day in court. There are no guarantees that their relief will be granted. But while they are in immigration proceedings, they are paying taxes, have ties to the community, and are feeling safe with family. As President Ronald Reagan said, “[A]nyone, from any corner of the Earth, can come to live in America and become an American.” Indeed, America is not uniform: We can retain our religious identity but still be proud Americans.
As America celebrates its 250th birthday on July 4, let us show hakaras hatov for the opportunity it has afforded us to live as Torah Jews. We can also appreciate the need for other people and groups who seek the safe haven of these shores. So long as they have no criminal background or history, others should be able to avail themselves of our immigration system and laws as well. At the same time, we should not be too comfortable here. The ultimate protection comes from Hashem. So long as we keep His Torah, we merit to live here safely and anywhere else in exile. And yes, until Moshiach comes, Jews in Israel are also in galus.
Noted Jewish poet Emma Lazarus’ timeless words are etched on the Statue of Liberty: “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” Lazarus was a descendant of Sephardic Jews fleeing persecution in Portugal. She went from referring to Jews as “they” to “we.” It’s easy to “other” people until we face similar circumstances. Emma herself faced antisemitism. “Kol Yisroel chaveirim; we’re all in the same boat,” as Rabbi Shmuel Kunda sang. “If one of us drills a little hole, then none of us can float.”
My own Rabbi Shimshon Sherer gave the invocation before the U.S. Senate on June 29, 1999, blessing their work and citing Dovid HaMelech’s words: “Those who sow with tears shall reap with song” (Tehilim 126:5). We have enjoyed the benefits of the United States but yearn for our permanent home, Eretz Yisroel. Yes, we celebrate America’s independence, but know that for us, it is not permanent. By doing for others, may we merit to dance with Moshiach soon.
Chaim Yehuda Meyer
Dear Rabbi Schonfeld,
Yasher koach on your insightful articles covering the many issues facing the Jewish community and Israel.
Having worked with you on numerous projects, I have witnessed firsthand your dedication and tireless efforts. Whether encouraging attendance at the annual Israel Day Parade, reminding us to vote on Election Day, or organizing rallies for the Jewish people and Israel, you have consistently taught us by your example.
May Hashem grant you continued strength as you serve Am Yisrael and Eretz Yisrael.
Stuart Verstandig
Dear Editor:
Who wants to be a trillionaire? I can’t even count that high. How many zeros are there? Fourteen kids should put a dent in Elon Musk’s budget. There are the orthodontist bills, private school tuitions, and separate homes for each of the wives and girlfriends. How about helping President Trump and turning the algae-green reflecting pool blue, or paying millions of dollars to build a ballroom? If you ask me, he should have read Shlomo’s story before amassing such wealth.
Now, if it were I who had some of that money, I’d extend my NY Post’s $12, 12-week subscription. Then I’d buy a place in Modiin, Nahariya, and Yerushalayim. Perhaps I’d even buy a place in Teaneck and West Orange to be near my boys. I’d also vacation in Croatia and Montenegro, which are the new “in” places. Of course, I couldn’t locate them on a map even if you gave me a trillion dollars. I’d also buy a refrigerator with an ice maker. Don’t worry! I’d give boatloads of money to tzedakah.
I also haven’t forgotten my family, my extended family, and all the family members who will come out of the woodwork. You know what? Keep your trillion dollars, Mr. Musk. I don’t need the worries that accompany so much money.
Debbie Horowitz
Dear Editor:
Two weeks ago, Goldie Kranz wrote that she overheard some people discussing a shidduch column where Ozempic was mentioned. The referenced article is from the “Navidators” column in The Jewish Home, May 28 edition.
Yedidya Hirschhorn