A call for immigration reform, in the form of a prayer service and peace walk, brought an estimated 1,500 to 1,700 people to Postville Sunday afternoon. Prior to the walk a standing room only crowd gathered inside St. Bridget's Catholic church where an ecumenical service of peace was held. Sister Mary McCauley of the parish said the peace walk was being held as a call for immigration reform after the May 12 raid at Agriprocessors. She said, "We are standing together in solidarity for those who were taken from us during the raid."
McCauley said the purpose of the march was to call attention to just labor practices, with no more raids that destroy families and destroy small towns like Postville.
She also said, "Our immigrant families are living in fear. They come to the church for help and we need to send a message to the rest of the country."
During the prayer service people worshiped and prayed together in English, Spanish and Hebrew. Among the participants were Rabbi Robert Marx, Jewish Council on Urban Affairs, Chicago; Pastor Mark Anderson, Assistant to the Bishop, Northeastern Iowa Lutheran Synod; Jerome Hanus, OSB Archbishop of Dubuque; Pastor Steve Brackett, St. Paul Lutheran Church; Pastor Paul Ouderkirk, retired Pastor at St. Bridget Catholic Church; Paul Rael, director of Hispanic Ministry, St. Bridget Parish.
Rabbi Marx, speaking to the worshipers inside the church and those listening on the lawn and in the street said, "We are people of all faiths who have noble intentions; but, we must do more than simply gather her and say that we are the righteous. We must become righteous and demand of our country that the dreams are fulfilled."
Pastor Mark Anderson said, "We need to change the laws so it helps all workers. People should not have to chose between what is legal and what is righteous."
Those calling for immigration reform came to Postville from as far away as New York, New Jersey and Texas and many more groups were from other states throughout the Midwest including Minnesota, Illinois and Wisconsin. Several hundred of the walkers were Jewish people who wanted to demonstrate their disapproval of the happenings at Agriprocessors.
The march began as those attending the prayer service chanted "Give us courage. Give us hope. Give us love." Other chants heard throughout the two-mile walk, both in English and Spanish, included "People united cannot be defeated" and "Yes, we can."
At times the air seemed almost festive and several observers noted the atmosphere was reminiscent of the "Taste of Postville" celebrations of years gone by.
The majority of people walking, ranging in ages from babies in strollers to octogenarians using canes and walkers, carried placards calling for immigration reform within the federal government. Sayings on the placards included "Love thy neighbor", "Build sense, not fences."
Walkers proceeded from the parish down Williams Street to West Street where they stopped at the entrance of Agriprocessors. Rabbi Harold Kravitz of Minneapolis stilled the crowd as he spoke of the need for the ethical treatment of workers and the need for immigration reform.
He said, "The Jews that are here today are here because we care about the terrible state of the immigration system here in America and need to treat people fairly."
While Rabbi Kravitz spoke to the hundreds of walkers, Getzel Rubashkin, son of former plant CEO Sholom Rubashkin, visited with several reporters at the entrance to the plant. Although he said he was not speaking for the company, Rubashkin said the plant cares about its workers and does not treat its workers inhumanly. He also said the illegal immigrants deceived management with forged documents.
Following the stop at Agriprocessors, the marchers walked through downtown Postville before returning to Williams Street in front of St. Bridget's. A group of between 100-200 protesters shouted from the sidewalk as the walkers passed by. They waved flags and shouted "Go Home!" Their signs, which targeted the Postville residents arrested during the raid, said things such as "Save the American Worker." One woman, who said she was from Chicago, was dressed like the Statue of Liberty, said she thought all immigrants should gain access to America legally.
Postville police, Monona Police, Allamakee and Clayton County Sheriff's departments, along with the Iowa State Troopers, kept the marchers and protesters separated throughout the march.
At the Conclusion of the walk/rally several participants addressed the crowd until a thunder storm and heavy rain sent the crowd scurrying for shelter.
Postville Mayor Robert Penrod, one of the last to speak, told those present the community is committed to immigration reform and it is his hope to bring a peaceful solution to the problem. He said the children are a vital part of our school system and it is his hope that the families will be reunited.
Reader Comments
Posted: Sunday, August 03, 2008
Article comment by:
M W Gishon
Illegal is illegal, these workers compromised their own families by NOT coming to America legally. Your greatest concern should be the great propensity for Mid East terrorists can and probably have entered by blending in with Hispanics.
If Churches feel they are entitled to enter the political arena, let them give up their tax exempt status and pay like the rest of us.
I believe your anti-illegal protesters are right on the money.
Employ Americans and pay them the wage they are worth. If prices rise, so be it.
Your biggest culprits are powerful unions there are ways to keep them out and keep prices down..
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