Rabbinic human rights group urges US gov't to take more Afghan refugees

The organization is influenced by Jewish values, which inspires its members to take measures to expand human rights in Israel, the United States and other territories.

Rabbi Rachel Kahn Troster, T’ruah’s director of programs (left) and Rabbi Jill Jacobs, Truah’s executive director (right) marching along 5th Avenue. (photo credit: CHRISTOPHER PARKS)
Rabbi Rachel Kahn Troster, T’ruah’s director of programs (left) and Rabbi Jill Jacobs, Truah’s executive director (right) marching along 5th Avenue.
(photo credit: CHRISTOPHER PARKS)

T’ruah, a rabbinic human rights organization, called on the Biden administration to expedite taking in Afghan refugees fleeing their country following the Taliban takeover, the group announced on Wednesday.  

Rabbi Nancy Wiener, co-chairperson of the organization's board, released an official statement regarding the complex situation of Afghan refugees, stating that "the United States has a moral obligation to evacuate as many at-risk Afghans as possible."

"We proudly stand with our partners in calling for the Biden administration to get Afghans to the US or other third countries for expedited processing of Special Immigrant Visa applications," Wiener continued. 

In January, T’ruah was one of the progressive Jewish groups that opposed the codification of the IHRA antisemitism definition.

 Evacuees from Afghanistan disembark a Spanish military plane as part of their evacuation at Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, August 20, 2021. (credit: REUTERS)
Evacuees from Afghanistan disembark a Spanish military plane as part of their evacuation at Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, August 20, 2021. (credit: REUTERS)

T’ruah represents over 2,000 rabbis and cantors and their communities, focusing on human rights efforts.

The organization is influenced by Jewish values, which inspires its members to take measures to expand human rights in Israel, the United States and other territories.