Friend —
Last week, I stood in the snow outside Pittsburgh’s Office of Homeland Security with more than 70 supporters to loudly say let my people stay — Jews demand a clean Dream Act now. Check out press from our rally in Pittsburgh City Paper and Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle!
Here’s why we came together as Pittsburgh Jews and allies:
1. To keep the pressure on Congress
When Congress made the crushing compromise to reopen the government without a vote on the Dream Act, our Bend the Arc Moral Minyan in Pittsburgh knew we had to act.
Inspired by two of our members who joined Bend the Arc’s historic Jewish civil disobedience in the Capitol Rotunda last month, we organized our rally in Pittsburgh as one of 25 local Jews for Dreamers actions across the country
2. To build local solidarity
When we come together in love and solidarity, it makes all our communities stronger.
Our immigrant partners at Casa San Jose and the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA) helped us decide on a rally in front of the local Department of Homeland Security building.
Through this action, our Pittsburgh Moral Minyan strengthened ties with our neighbors in the Latino community and sent a powerful message that Jews will never stop fighting for immigrant rights.
3. To strengthen our capacity for the fights ahead
Bend the Arc: Pittsburgh members made our rally possible in just four days. We wrote press releases, invited local clergy, coordinated with partners, drafted speeches, made signs, and recruited supporters. Everyone stepped up and found a way to contribute.
We were successful because we had a year of experience working with each other and building partnerships with community organizations across Pittsburgh. With every action we take, we’re building our capacity to strategically resist the Trump Administration and take back power in Congress.
These three pillars — advocacy, solidarity, and resistance — are how we at Bend the Arc: Pittsburgh are building on our prophetic Jewish tradition to build this world with love.
I hope you’ll join us in the streets, at a phone bank, or at a meeting soon. Like us on Facebook and check out our upcoming events to join a committed community of Jewish activists and allies.
In solidarity,
Yael, Bend the Arc: Pittsburgh leader
10 people, working together, can change the world. Can you recruit 9 others to sign up?
