Join Me at the 26th Anniversary Gala for Immigration Law & Justice of New York on October 30 (Tickets Available)
In an era of unprecedented attacks on the rights of immigrants and refugees, Immigration Law and Justice of New York (ILJNY) provides competent, compassionate, and steadfast legal support to our most vulnerable neighbors. After 26 years of service, this is nothing new for them. Over the past decade, ILJNY has touched the lives of 40,000 new Americans through its legal, educational, and advocacy-driven programs. For example, Sergey, a Russian man targeted for his identity, was granted asylum just last month after years of work by ILJNY’s attorneys.
ILJNY’s Executive Director Paul Fleck and his network of staff, volunteers, and church partners know that true hospitality is made not for days of convenience, but for days of courage—days such as the ones we are living through now. Today, people of all faiths, and people of no faith affiliation, are called to rise to the challenge of welcoming the stranger with moral clarity and purpose. One way we can do that is by cultivating a shared practice of generosity, by putting our resources where our heart is, and by giving to local organizations that are doing work we believe in.
Immigration Law and Justice of New York is an organization that I believe in. That’s why I’m inviting you to join me at their 26th Anniversary Gala on October 30 at 6:30 PM in Manhattan. I have the tremendous honor of giving the keynote address, where I’ll share a mix of the latest immigration data, first-hand stories of perseverance and hope, and a principled defense of hospitality that I believe all of us should support—no matter where we put our faith, where we’re from, or who we vote for. The only viable future is a shared future.
In this post-COVID hyper-online world, we see dwindling opportunities to sit around the table with new and old friends who share our passion for immigration justice. The ILJNY Gala is a welcome dose of in-person connection. The evening is not just about ensuring the sustainability of ILJNY’s essential work, it is also about living out our values in community rather than in isolation. I can’t wait to see old friends again and to meet so many of you face-to-face for the first time.
During this evening of celebration and inspiration, you’ll hear stories of people served by ILJNY over the past year, enjoy performances by Cántico Nuevo, and share a meal prepared by refugee and immigrant chefs at Eat Off Beat. And, naturally, there will be plenty of time for interesting conversations over the course of the evening.
So please consider joining me on October 30. When you get your tickets at the link below, consider giving generously so that ILJNY can ensure that its services remain available when—inevitably, sadly—immigrants and refugees in the city urgently need them.
