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Resettlement of Syrian refugees in Omaha uniting 3 major world religions

Posted at 12:50 PM, Jul 21, 2016
and last updated 2016-07-21 15:03:27-04

It’s a hot button issue in the state of Nebraska.

Families of Syrian refugees have begun to move and settle into the area. 

While Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts continues to question whether federal authorities are doing enough to check the backgrounds of refugees and find potential terrorists.

A rabbi and Muslim humanitarian, catholic and protestant leaders are coming together.

“The more you're around people who don't look like you or talk like you, the more you understand their point of view and where they're coming from.” said Steven Abraham of the Beth El Synagogue 

Lutheran Family services officials say refugee families have been moving into Omaha since May. Faith leaders from the world's three major religions are helping in that effort.

Lacey Studnicka with Lutheran Family Services said mosques, synagogues and churches are looking for ways to help Syrians looking for a way out of their volatile homeland.

Governor Pete Ricketts asked resettlement agencies to not accept refugees last fall.

In a statement to KMTV, Ricketts said in part “Many states, including Nebraska, have called upon president Obama to tighten security checks on individuals applying for refugee status. To date, the president has refused to do so.”

Lutheran Family Services told KMTV that they've pledged to help 100 Syrian refugees before the fall. Currently, they're about a quarter of the way there, thanks to an interfaith network here in Omaha.