Dear Supporter,

Since 2009, Rabbis for Human Rights-North America has been educating the Jewish community about the problem of modern slavery: overseas, in Israel, and in our own backyards. Today, I am inviting you to come with me as we learn about modern American slavery in the tomato fields of Florida. Most of the fresh tomatoes we eat in the off-season come from Florida, and there have been well-documented cases of slavery in this industry. Not just low wages or poor working conditions, but slavery: passports confiscated, workers locked into trailers, endless cycles of debt bondage.

But people are fighting back. We will meet with the Coalition of Immokalee Workers, who have been fighting with growers, food companies, and grocery stores to pay just 2 cents a pound more for tomatoes in their Campaign for Fair Food, raising the wages of workers enough to stamp out slavery. We will learn about their successful campaigns with Whole Foods and Yum Brands and the tangible ways we can take action in our home communities to aid their cause.

Join Rabbi Jill Jacobs and myself for this inspiring, hands-on experience. We recognize that the trip is very close to the Yamim Nora'im but we guarantee you'll find inspiration for your sermons on the trip.

Sincerely,

Rabbi Rachel Kahn-Troster
Director of Education and Outreach