Separating children from their parents

A Prayer for Immigrants and Families

By Rabbi Mark B Greenspan

Oceanside, New York

We have stood outside the walls

Having experienced the cruelty to “No.”

We have been the illegal immigrants

Having fled from oppression,

Searching for a better life

For ourselves and our families;

Give us strength and courage

To speak out for those in need of

Our advocacy.

Our memories are long and indelible;

We were a people without a land,

We watched as children were torn

From parents, only a generation ago

Some to the left, others to the right.

How can we be silent, when

We too were told, “You have no home.”

Let us speak out for those who have no voice.

Let us welcome those who have no place to go.

Help us to live up to the best of our ideals

Both as Americans and as Jews. And

Remind us of the words of Your Prophet:

“Turn the hearts of parents to their children

And the hearts of children to their parents

Lest your land become a curse.”