NCJW Applauds Passage of NO BAN Act in the House of Representatives

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 22, 2020

Media Contact
Sarah Garfinkel, West End Strategy Team
sgarfinkel@westendstrategy.com; 202-765-4290

The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) released the following statement today in response to the House of Representative’s passage of the NO BAN Act. Chief Executive Officer Sheila Katz issued the following statement:

“The House of Representatives made history today by passing the first-ever Muslim civil rights bill. The NO BAN Act repeals the Muslim Ban, Asylum Ban, and Refugee Ban, sending a clear message: America is a place where everyone is welcome, regardless of where they are from, how they worship, or their immigration status.

“Since this Muslim travel ban has been in effect, tens of thousands seeking to leave their home countries due to violence against women, conflict, terror, and human rights violations — as well as those simply seeking to study or visit family — have been prevented from entering the United States. Our nation should be working to reunite families, not keep them apart.

“The Torah commands us va’ahavtem et ha-ger — to love the stranger, as we were once strangers. As Jews, we know what it is like to wish others would respond while policies rooted in religious injustice are carried out. Many of us know what it is like to seek safety in the United States, only to be turned away out of prejudice and under the pretense of security. Today’s vote is a rejection of hate.

“We thank the House of Representatives for passing the NO BAN Act and now call on the Senate to pass this critical legislation. The National Council of Jewish Women will not stop fighting until the millions of American families separated by the bans have been reunited.”

The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is a grassroots organization of over 100,000 volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideals into action. Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children, and families by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms.