AN ANGRY JEW SPEAKS OUT ~

Dear Jewish Community Center of Long Beach,

I just read your insulting message that embraces ILLEGAL ALIENS. Well, your message is insulting if you are an American citizen who believes in the rule of law. Are you aware that there is a difference between LEGAL and ILLEGAL immigrants? My family LEGALLY came to America from eastern Europe.

You write about having compassion, tolerance and inclusion … for ILLEGAL ALIENS? For people who broke our laws entering the United States of America? Pathetic! What about having compassion, tolerance and inclusion for LEGAL immigrants who have waited YEARS to legally enter the United States? What about having compassion, tolerance and inclusion for those already here (born or became citizens) who are pushed out of emergency rooms, housing, education and jobs because of ILLEGAL ALIENS? What about having compassion, tolerance and inclusion for citizens who cannot receive government assistance since the money is being spent on ILLEGAL ALIENS? What about having compassion, tolerance and inclusion for the victims of ILLEGAL ALIENS – from robbery to rape to murder?

You need to really review the “superficial differences” that separate us!

Your message (below) against assisting ICE/law enforcement unless you absolutely must, is disturbing on many levels. In my opinion (as a proud Jewish woman who supports Israel in multiple ways, as the editor of a weekly national newsletter and as a contributor to a major opinion website), it’s Jewish positions like this that are responsible for some of the increase in antisemitic acts.

In my view, the Long Beach Jewish Center (along with other liberal Jewish organizations and/or spokespeople) are responsible for rising antisemitism that is taking place in our country.

Sincerely,

Robin M. Itzler

Proud AMERICAN who is JEWISH

Begin forwarded message:

From: Jewish Long Beach <info@jewishlongbeach.org>
Date: June 19, 2025 at 3:29:56 AM GMT+2
Subject: Statement on Recent ICE Activity
Reply-To: Jewish Long Beach <info@jewishlongbeach.org>

View this email in your browser From Beyond the River: Inclusion and Non-Cooperation with ICE June 18, 2025 Jewish Long Beach is proud to support the diverse and vibrant immigrant communities that are part of greater Long Beach and Orange County. We understand that actions taken by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Federal government in the past several days have increased anxiety significantly among these valued immigrant communities, and among those of us who cherish our relationships with the members of these communities. As Jews, our very name, “Hebrews,” derives from our status as the other, the outsider, the foreigner, the immigrant. The term comes to us from “ivri” in the Torah, which means the one from beyond (or across) the river. As immigrants ourselves, we too have been ostracized, excluded, rounded up, and even killed throughout our history. We therefore feel acutely the need for compassion, tolerance, and inclusion of all members of our community, regardless of the superficial differences that seem to separate us. Jewish Long Beach follows all applicable laws and regulations in our hiring practices. We also do not collect any immigration or citizenship-related information about our members or guests using our facilities. This information is simply not applicable to our purposes. We also recognize that due process is a foundation of our democracy. We have no indication that we might receive a request from ICE or any other Federal authority to enter our facility or to engage with our staff, members, or guests in any manner. However, if we do, we would treat such a request the same as if it came from any other law enforcement authority: we will not cooperate nor allow such entrance or engagement unless we are presented with a correctly prepared, duly sworn, and signed judicial warrant requiring us to do so. If you or someone you know fears being stopped by ICE, it is important to know your rights and be prepared. In the City of Long Beach, the Long Beach Values Act helps protect immigrants by setting clear guidelines for handling personal information and preventing cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. The City also established the Long Beach Justice Fund to provide legal support for deportation defense. The City created a guide to provide helpful resources for community members who may need assistance with immigration-related issues, which you can access here. Jewish Long Beach takes great pride in the diversity of our community, and we are grateful you are here. We are Your Center for Life. L’Shalom, Jewish Long Be