By Rabbi Jack Shlachter
Los Alamos Jewish Center

A number of faith communities in Los Alamos have been working together to organize a candlelight vigil at Ashley Pond at 7 p.m. MDT on Wednesday, July 2, to raise awareness about the plight of refugees, asylum seekers, and immigrants in our country and reaffirm our identity as a nation that welcomes immigrants and thrives because of them.

This date was chosen because it falls between June 6, the anniversary of the date that the MS St. Louis was turned away from US shores in 1939 and July 6, the day in 1798 that the Alien Enemies Act was signed.

Nationwide, vigils are being held during this monthlong period on a rolling basis, and we call on elected officials to proudly acknowledge the countless contributions that immigrants make every single day in cities and towns in every state in the country.

We encourage attendance by all individuals, regardless of their faith, who would like to help reclaim our national commitment to welcome and to ensure that the U.S. protects and respects the rights of those living within our borders, reestablishing our commitment to the pathways that make refuge possible for those who have been forcibly displaced.