Jewish Community To Stand With Refugees At Princeton Candlelight Vigil

PRINCETON, NJ — Jewish communities around the country, including Princeton, will stand in unity to call on elected officials and the community to not deny access to America for refugees.

The June 6 candlelight vigil will be commemorate the 78th anniversary of the beginning of the S.S. St. Louis’s fateful trip to Europe, in 1939. Over 900 Jewish refugees were on board the St. Louis, and at least 250 of them perished in the Nazi death camps of World War II.

The S.S. St. Louis began its trip after being denied entry into the United States, Canada and Cuba. The Jewish communal experience demonstrates the tragic consequences of denying safety to refugees, Congregation Kehilat Shalom said in a release announcing the event this week.

The candlelight vigil will take place on Tuesday, June 6, at 7:30 pm in Tiger Park (Nassau Street at Palmer Square). The event is being coordinated worldwide by the Hebrew Immigration Aid Society (HIAS).
HIAS was originally formed in 1881 to assist Jews fleeing pogroms in Russia and Eastern Europe. Today, it is a major immigration advocacy organization for all refugees.

Rabbi Susan Falk, spiritual leader of Congregation Kehilat Shalom, will lead participants in brief prayers, readings, and song. Local, legislative, and Congressional elected officials are invited to attend.

“The vigil is an important opportunity to take a public stand for refugees, and to send a message to elected officials that history must not be allowed to repeat itself for today’s victims of violence and persecution,” the congregation said. “Please join Congregation Kehilat Shalom at this meaningful ceremony to amplify HIAS’ message to fully support welcoming refugees to the United States.”

June 6 is Primary Day in New Jersey, and the congregation reminds those who intend to attend the vigil to vote before heading to Tiger Park.

For more information and to RSVP, visit Congregation Kehilat Shalom’s Facebook page or visit the Vigils in Support of Refugees Facebook page. You can also call the synagogue office at 908-359-0420 or email robin@cksnj.org . More information about Congregation Kehilat Shalom can be found at www.ksnj.org. More information about HIAS can be found at www.hias.org. The event will be held rain or shine, and carpooling is recommended.