Welcoming the Stranger: Faith-based Migration Work in Boston

On Wednesday, October 25, 2023, Owen Fletcher, a junior at Boston College majoring in International Studies and minoring in Hispanic Studies and Religion and Public Life, led the luncheon colloquium panel titled, “Welcoming the Stranger: Faith-based Migration Work in Boston.” The conversation was inspired by Fletcher’s internship with BC’s Center for Christian-Jewish Learning, where he focused on migration and faith traditions. He moderated the panel discussion between Debbie Gotbetter, a board member of Jewish Family Service of Metrowest (JFS) and the Refugee Resettlement Volunteer Coordinator at Temple Beth Elohim, and Ed Marakovitz, the coordinator of the Paulist Center Immigrant Advocacy Group.

The luncheon began with Fletcher describing his project with the Center for Christian-Jewish Learning. He discussed how his major in international studies sparked his interest in immigration and how this internship allowed him to explore immigration through the lens of Christianity and Judaism. He talked about how many stories in the Christian and Jewish scriptures theologize immigration and allow us to understand how faith calls on us to support others. To learn how individuals’ faiths inspire their immigration work, Fletcher spent this past summer interviewing people in the Boston area about their refugee resettlement efforts. Fletcher emphasized the importance of their work in light of the state of emergency that was declared by Governor Maura Healey in August due to the significant numbers of immigrants seeking shelter and support in Massachusetts.

The conversation then transitioned to Gotbetter’s and Marakovitz’s experiences with migration support and advocacy. Gotbetter described how her work with Syrian and Afghan refugees presented enriching opportunities for interfaith dialogue, as she realized how many similarities existed between their faiths. They used these commonalities to create meaningful relationships. Gotbetter also described the challenges of facing a national immigration “crisis” as there is less time and resources available to prepare for the arrival of new immigrants. In recent months, Gotbetter has been learning of immigrants’ arrivals only a day ahead of their arrival, whereas she used to be informed of their arrival weeks in advance. Marakovitz echoed the challenges of the current crisis, describing how many migrants from Central America are entering the United States without legal protection. He also shared that Cardinal O’Malley reinforced Governor Healey’s declaration of crisis by urging parishes to help migrants and emphasizing the need for cooperative political and religious immigrant assistance.

The luncheon ended with a thought-provoking question and answer session with Fletcher, Gotbetter, Marakovitz, and the broader audience. One audience member asked how their work is being impacted by the rise of hate groups, referencing a recent event wherein a neo-Nazi group marched in front of Governor Healey’s house, chanting “keep New England white” in opposition to the state’s immigrant aid. Gotbetter and Marakovitz recognized the challenges this hatred poses to their work; they explained how their organizations have needed to add new safety measures and shift the strategies they use to protect and support immigrants and their advocates. Gotbetter acknowledged the irony of these security challenges, as their work aims to “welcome the stranger,” but practical security measures such as locking doors and having police attend events can hinder the practice of this scriptural imperative.