The American Jewish experience of being immigrants and refugees, and and Jewish value of caring for the same requires more than performative support: these newcomers to America need places to live. Just as Jews fleeing antisemitism and violence in previous eras came to the US in search of a better life, so too can we make sure that our country, our cities, and our neighborhoods remain welcoming places for people coming from around the world today.

2 types of Jewish communities are in particular need of new housing: For communities in expensive, low-density suburban areas, the need to attract more young families is becoming acute. Not only does the local low density zoning translate to a smaller number of overall households, it also makes the housing in the area much more expensive. Apartments, condos and row houses are more affordable than single family homes on large suburban lots.

Jewish communities in places that are already walkable, transit-rich, and also high demand and flourishing, like New York and Los Angeles, also need to respond to restricted housing supply by supporting new apartments and higher density.