Uniting the Community Over Shared Interests

On Wednesday, September 17th the San Diego Latino-Jewish Coalition (LJC) of the the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) hosted a breakfast discussion focusing on the human rights crisis at the US/Mexico border, featuring prominent Latino and Jewish speakers. Rabbi Laurie Coskey kicked off the breakfast with a heart-warming speech about her work as the Executive Director of the Interfaith Center for Worker Justice. She was followed by Dr. Richard Griswold Del Castillo, Professor Emeritus of Chicano Studies at SDSU and Board Member of Border Angels, who discussed the history of Border Angels and shared touching stories of his personal experience working with the organization. Carmen Chavez, Executive Director at Casa Cornelia Law Center, closed out the session with a powerful presentation on the multifaceted dimensions of border issues, the work of Casa Cornelia, challenges facing the organization, and accomplishments of the Law Center.

After the presentations, attendees engaged in lively table discussions on current events at the San Diego Mexico border and expressed their views on humanitarian issues and immigration policies. Participants discussed the implications of the United States having a moral responsibility, and how to best act on these important issues. The final remarks were eye-opening as many perspectives and both sides of the debate were brought up, creating an on-going and open dialogue— one of the main objectives of both the JCRC and LJC.

To keep attendees interested and further engaged on the topic everyone was asked to submit a card indicating their interest in receiving up-to-date information, volunteer opportunities, and a tour of the border. To learn more about the San Diego Latino-Jewish Coalition and future events visit their website. To learn more about San Diego initiatives visit Jewish Community Relations Council or contact Linda Feldman at Lindaf@jewishfederationsandiego.org.

About LJC
The Latino-Jewish Coalition serves to promote greater communication, cooperation, understanding, respect and friendship between the communities; to pursue a collaborative working relationship on issues of mutual concern, and facilitate programs to benefit Jews and Latinos of all ages in San Diego County.