Temporary Stay

After President Trump’s executive order on immigration, protests broke out at airports across the country. I caught the tail end of the protest at Philadelphia International Airport; here’s what I saw.

In the aftermath of the temporary stay granted by a federal judge in New York, the crowd was dispersing. But a significant number were reluctant to leave, instead milling about, continuing to hold their signs aloft. Just above their heads, on the walls of Terminal A West, were the words “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equals.”

One couple stood silently, holding up cell phones, Anne Frank’s face shining out from the screen.

Another couple noticed a protestor carrying a sign that expressed solidarity with Jewish people, and went over to him. “Thank you!” they said. “We’re Jewish. I should have worn my yarmulke,” the man said. They explained that they had been sitting on the couch in pajamas when they saw Mayor Kenney on the news asking people to come to the airport. “We changed out of our pajamas and drove here. It took ten minutes.” The man continued, “I never thought I’d have to be at a protest.”

I asked why they came. They struggled to put it into words, not out of confusion but because they seemed shell shocked, exhausted. “To put this order into place on Holocaust Remembrance Day…” the woman said, and faded off. “It’s…” Her husband picked up the thread: “When I was thirteen, my cousin showed me his tattoo.” The woman added, “I never thought I’d have to be afraid.”

She said to the small group gathered around, “He’s 61, I’m 58. You’re young. I hope in your lifetimes you can fix this, but I don’t think it will happen in our lifetimes.” After some more discussion, she said, “I need to walk,” and wandered off in another direction. The man smiled at the group and followed. “She has to walk,” he shrugged.

A few minutes later, an aide from the mayor’s office told the crowd that airport personnel were requesting that everyone leave so they could clean and prepare for the next day.

“We’re coming back!” someone shouted. “Two o’clock tomorrow!” “Two o’clock!” others agreed.