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“We want to help the wider community and other faith-based groups become involved in the effort to assist refugees in Dutchess County,” said Maria Hoehn, professor of history at Vassar College and the founder of the campus initiative, Refugee Solidarity.
Hoehn started the group as a way to help students become involved in this growing humanitarian issue.
Rabbi Leah Berkowitz of Vassar Temple said she is proud that the temple joined the initiative. Jews, she said, have known exile, oppression and persecution, and her congregation wants to be part of the American tradition of “welcoming refugees and giving those who flee persecution the opportunity to build better lives here in the United States.”
Now, she insists, “it’s our turn to welcome the stranger.”
Other organizations involved with this effort include Poughkeepsie’s Christ Episcopal Church and Masjid al-Noor Mosque in Wappingers Falls.
“Collaboration between a college like Vassar and local faith-based institutions is a great first step to develop a larger initiative to help refugees,” said Hoehn. “We look forward to hearing from the community at this forum.”
The meeting will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. at Vassar Temple.
For information call (845) 454-2570.
Vassar Temple is located at 140 Hooker Ave., Poughkeepsie.
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