~~Refugees among Us: what we ought to know and what we can do

Men, women, and children in the millions have been displaced by war, famine, terror, and climatic catastrophes -- for them national borders present both obstacles to mere survival as well as gateways to productive lives.  Among these displaced persons are refugees.  Their status is governed by international convention (see below).

Learn why and how East Tennessee has become a home for some refugees, and the opportunities of compassion to smooth their integration into “the land of the free and the home of the brave.”

Sunday, 12 February
10 - 11 am
AJCC

“The Jewish Conscience,” Rabbi Scott B. Saulson, PhD
 
“The Knoxville Scene,” Liz Parmalee, Volunteer Manager, Bridge Refugee Services

A refugee is a person who has been forced  to leave his/her country in order to escape persecution, war, or violence. Faced with life-threatening circumstances, refugees have no choice to flee, leaving behind their home and community, family, and their friends. To qualify as a refugee, persecution must be based on race, religion, nationality, political ideology, or social group.