Please join us on Sunday, March 1st at 11:15 AM in the sanctuary to a talk by Jared and Laurie Berezin, the founders, almost one year ago, of Bearing Witness At ICE in Burlington.

 

The current Bearing Witness gathering is a powerful expression of community action and people learning together about peaceful, nonviolent protest. A primary goal is to offer hope to those detained when they arrive, so they see they are not alone — that not everyone in America agrees with ICE.

Along with Jared and Laurie, the standout relies on help from dedicated participants. The organizing is collective, with attendees bringing signs, water, marshal’s vests, audio equipment, American flags and other supplies to share. Several volunteers marshal each week.

One feature that makes this standout unique is a group welcome and orientation. It fosters camaraderie, and participants learn how to protest peacefully and de-escalate any negative responses from passersby. Leaders provide an update on individual detainees and other information pertinent to the gathering.

Jared and Laurie have been approached and thanked by former detainees, their family members, and lawyers. People call out across the parking lot saying, “Thank you” or “God bless you,” or they may give a thumbs up.