JCIJ’s Dinner in Community Reflects on the Centennial of the 1924 Immigration Restriction Act

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On May 19, 2024, the Jewish Coalition held a Dinner in Community at Temple Beth Am and on Zoom titled “100 Years Since the Doors Slammed Shut: Immigration Restriction Then & Now.”

Together we reflected on the 100 year anniversary of the Immigration Restriction Act that was initiated by xenophobic Washington State Congressman Albert Johnson, who referred to the wave of Jewish immigrants at the time as "filthy, un-American, and often dangerous in their habits." 100 years later, we examined the state of immigration today and how we can take action together for immigrant justice.

Our event program included remarks by King County Councilmember Jorge Barón, UW History Professor Devin E. Naar, and Brenda Rodríguez López, Executive Director of the Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network (WAISN).

Musicians Ke Guo and Reynaldo Ruiz form the group Duo Takinai performed a mix of Sephardic music in Ladino and Andean and Argentinian folk music in Spanish, reflecting connections across cross cultures and languages.

We featured storytelling by an asylum seeker JCIJ has accompanied on his journey and honor Reverend Jan Bolerjack and Riverton Park United Methodist Church with JCIJ’s Tzedek Justice Award for supporting newly arrived migrants.

Our Dinner in Community was catered by Project Feast, who empower refugee and immigrant cooks through hands-on culinary training and education.

Thank you to all who attended, sponsored, and supported! We are so grateful to be in community with you.