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Over the past few days we have seen a travel ban decreed by President Trump that has once again placed anti-Muslim rhetoric in the forefront of American discourse. While the administration claims that it is not targeting Muslims, it is obvious from campaign statements and from the actual effects of the ban that scapegoating is already taking place.
The long-term fallout remains to be seen, but analysts have already called this policy an abomination that plays into the hands of the ISIS recruiting strategy, which is to convince the world that the United States hates Islam (ex-National Security Agency and CIA director Michael Hayden, NPR's Morning Edition, Jan. 30).
[Alaska congressional delegation expresses some support for immigration order but criticizes rollout]
Domestically, Muslim communities are also facing the fear that the U.S. hates Muslims. American citizens face the threat not only of executive actions that further marginalize them, but also the individual acts of hate that the Trump campaign's rhetoric may have emboldened.
Christians and Jews share many sacred texts. Among them are a multitude of exhortations to care for those who we would consider the stranger, the alien, the refugee or the foreigner — terms which in the time of writing would also imply people of other religions:
Exodus 22:21 — "You must not mistreat or oppress foreigners in any way. Remember, you yourselves were once foreigners in the land of Egypt."
Leviticus 19:33-34 — "Do not take advantage of foreigners who live among you in your land. Treat them like native-born Israelites, and love them as you love yourself. Remember that you were once foreigners living in the land of Egypt. I am the Lord your God."
Deuteronomy 27:19 — " 'Cursed is anyone who denies justice to foreigners, orphans, or widows.' And all the people will reply, 'Amen.' "
Psalms 146:9 — "The Lord protects the foreigners among us. He cares for the orphans and widows, but he frustrates the plans of the wicked."
Proverbs 31:8-9 — Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.
The list goes on and on, the clarion call written into the scriptures of all major religions, and into the guiding documents of all nations who aspire to move humanity forward and upward. We are to care for those who are fleeing oppression, even if that care involves uncertainty.
As leaders within the Jewish and Christian communities, we call on all people who proclaim to follow the Jewish or Christian faiths to stand up for our Muslim neighbors. Reach out with a kind word, participate in protests and rallies, educate those who sow the seeds of fear and hate, and above all, love your neighbor, regardless of their religion. It's our duty as Americans, as people of faith, and as decent human beings.
If you would like to show your support for refugees and immigrants, there will be an interfaith prayer service at 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 3, at Town Square in downtown Anchorage. All are welcome.
Rev. Matt Schultz is pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Anchorage. Rabbi Michael Oblath heads Congregation Beth Shalom in Anchorage.
The views expressed here are the writer's and are not necessarily endorsed by Alaska Dispatch News, which welcomes a broad range of viewpoints. To submit a piece for consideration, email commentary@alaskadispatch.com. Send submissions shorter than 200 words to letters@alaskadispatch.com.