On the bus ride going to Postville we had programming to prepare us for the rally. We first discussed our own immigration stories (pictured here) as well as Jewish texts. We heard from immigration lawyers, Guatemalan and Mexican natives, Rabbis, nuns, and JCUA representatives.
Sydney Zimelis, Summer Intern, and Michael DeHeeger, Synagogue Organizer Michael says "Howdy"
David Mattis, one of JCUA's rabbinical fellows, musically inspired the bus on the way there
The crowd of over 1000 people from across the US gathered in front of St. Bridget's Church before the rally
Pastor David Vasquez, Luther College Chaplain, and the JCUA's Irene Lehrer Sandalow led the crowd in prayer outside during the interfaith prayer service
Michael DeHeeger joined Irene in song
Many former employees of Agri-Processors and family members of those detained came out for the rally
People gathered, waiting for the rally to begin
Rabbi Robert Marx spoke at the interfaith service and joined the crowd for the start of the rally
And the rally beings!
Sari Rubin, Jane Ramsey, and Rabbi Robert Marx outside of St. Bridget Church
Hendrik Koestermenke and Rabbi Robert Marx
Sister Pat and Tom Walsh, JCUA
AgriProcessors "A Great Place to Work"
"Now Hiring" signs littered the lawns of AgriProcessors. In the raid, the meat packing plant lost more than a third of its workers
Jane Ramsey, Tom Walsh, and Rabbi Kravitz, who spoke in front of the AgriProcessors plant
Eem Lo Achshav Eimatai, translation: If not now, when?
Eve, one of the JCUA's rabbinical fellows
The rally stopped just past the AgriProcessors plant to hear speakers
Pastor David Vasquez and Rabbi Robert Marx addressed the crowd in the playground
Many residents of Postville came out to support the families in the rally
Around 50 counter-protesters gathered across the street
Michael leading chants
At the end of the rally people gathered to hear more speakers
Jane with Paul Rael, Director of Hispanic Ministry at St. Bridget's Catholic Church, and Pastor David Vasquez addressed the crowd after the rally, calling for comprehensive immigration reform
