Jericho

Shofar - the biblical trumpet

‘Joshua fit de battle of Jericho

Jericho Jericho

Joshua fit de battle of Jericho

And the walls come tumblin’ down’

It’s a catchy tune about a familiar story - a populace on the march supported by a surge of trumpet blasts and committed to a mission to bring down the imposing walls of the city of Jericho. The events are emblematic of the Battle of Jericho, the first in the eventual conquest of the Promised Land. The song is certainly captivating and the story, as told in the Book of Joshua, is well known. Trouble is, archeologists subsequently excavating in Tell es-Sultan, i.e., biblical Jericho, approach unanimity in concluding the events as described never happened! But hasn’t history taught us that assemblies of men and women united in their determination are indeed capable of causing impenetrable walls of all stripes to come tumbling down? Not sure? Think Berlin Wall. Think breaching of walls to pass the Civil Rights and the Voting Rights Acts. Think millions voting with their feet during the March on Washington, Mother’s Day Marches, and Selma to Montgomery. 

Pounding the pavement while sounding a clarion call is also the strategy of Jericho Prayer Walkers, groups of Americans determined to foster change. They seek a more humane posture towards newcomers arriving at our shores and borders, not the harsh, restrictive, and xenophobic immigration policy currently on the books. In my locale Walkers regularly gather outside the doors of I.C.E. Enforcement and Removal Field Offices in Burlington, MA. The imposing I.C.E. edifice is but one representing our government’s portals, or checkpoints, for immigrants and asylum seekers wishing to secure entry into the U.S. Each new applicant presenting to I.C.E. Offices hopes to restart life here and keep their families intact; here where unlike the mortal peril throughout the homeland they left behind, they believe a future is safe and possible. But stepping through the doorway of I.C.E.’s granite-slab walls surely elicits the chill of loneliness and powerlessness. That’s understandable since as of late the broadcast sentiment of US immigration officials has not been the welcome message America was once known for. History has demonstrated that such an unwelcoming posture is counterproductive. New immigrants are willing to work hard and take risks to improve their lot, frequently starting small businesses, an important engine for creating job growth. Immigrants helped build America and make the US economy the global force it is. Our economy is stronger because of their spirit.

So, every week the marchers return and march round and round the I.C.E. walls carrying their message of welcoming the stranger and protection for the sanctity of their families. They walk in silence allowing only the shrill notes of the leader’s shofar to ‘speak’ for them. The notes become a symphony when echoed and amplified by honking horns of supporters driving past. 

The ‘music’ buoys the Walkers confirming that their presence is not only seen, but their message of empathy and support is heard by the men and women lining up at the doorway ready to make their case. The Walkers want that sentiment to penetrate and be heard by those inside, on the other side of the wall, not only here in Burlington but behind the walls in Washington as well.

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all images © David Greenfield