U.K. Synagogue Goes the Extra Mile to Welcome Refugees

In 2016, when Syrian brothers and refugees Alaa and Bahaa learned that they and their families could resettle in the U.K., they googled their soon-to-be new home. It was in Barnet on the northside of London, in a predominantly Jewish area. They read that the Jewish community was advocating to resettle Syrian refugees.

Alaa and Bahaa didn’t know much about Jews before arriving in London. But soon, the Jewish community would become their “family in the U.K.”, as Bahaa said.

Alaa and Bahaa had already been displaced multiple times, first to Lebanon, and then to Jordan, and were working long days to try to make ends meet. They were ready to put down roots in a safe place and build a life.

“We were displaced not only from country to country, but also from our community,” Alaa shared.

In 2015, Finchley Progressive Synagogue (FPS), a long-time HIAS+JCORE partner, successfully led a campaign as part of Barnet Citizens for Barnet Council to commit to accept 50 Syrian refugees. FPS helped bring together civil society institutions in support of newcomers and their families. FPS coordinated support, provided English lessons, and held a weekly coffee morning for three years.

It was at the FPS coffee club and other activities for Syrian refugees that Alaa and Bahaa and their families found the community they were missing.

“Making friendships with the synagogue made us feel welcome,” said Bahaa.

Alaa and Bahaa quickly became deeply involved with FPS in building the Syrian refugee community in Barnet.  

“This synagogue was a pioneer in supporting Syrian refugees,” said Alaa.  

Finchley Progressive Synagogue has worked with refugees and asylum seekers for more than a decade. First, they welcomed Syrian refugees, but soon they also stepped up to help Ukrainians and others in need of assistance. FPS also runs the Rainbow Lunch Club for LGBTQ+ people seeking asylum, offering a safe space with access to food and other support services.

“Our work with refugees has deepened over the years. Welcoming the stranger is no longer just what we do at FPS. It’s who we are,” said Tamara Joseph, Refugee Projects Coordinator at FPS. “It’s been such a privilege to work with so many remarkable people from across the world. We’ve learned so much and it has been so fulfilling and joyful.”

FPS and Alaa recently launched a men’s group for people seeking asylum housed in a local hotel, in partnership with the local refugee organization New Citizens Gateway. The group provides social and cultural orientation support, helping prepare asylum seekers for their next steps after receiving legal status.

“I’m happy to celebrate the work that we’ve done, but we like to set ambitions to do even more,” Tamara said. “It’s really important that we go beyond service provision and advocacy, and focus on co-production, leadership development, and campaigning for systemic change.”

FPS’ latest initiative is recently becoming the first Synagogue of Sanctuary in the U.K. Developed in partnership with City of Sanctuary U.K., HIAS+JCORE’s Synagogue of Sanctuary program honors the lifechanging work Jewish communities are doing to support refugees. The program also offers opportunities for recipients to share best practices and build expertise. FPS joins a movement of sanctuary across the U.K. alongside institutions such as cities, schools, and universities.

“At a time of deepening division, the work of partners like Finchley Progressive Synagogue gives me so much hope,” said Rabbi David Mason, Executive Director at HIAS+JCORE. “Rising antisemitism could tempt us to put up walls and retreat inward, but I’m proud that so many across the Jewish community continue to boldly put their values into action.”

HIAS+JCORE hopes other Jewish communities will be inspired by FPS’ dedicated work to help refugees.

“I would encourage any interested synagogue to join our movement: it is more important than ever that we stand together to welcome refugees,” said Yael Peleg, Community Engagement Director at HIAS+JCORE.

The work at Finchley Progressive Synagogue continues to support the refugee community, in partnership with refugees like Alaa and Bahaa. They know firsthand what it’s like to rebuild your life from scratch and what new refugees are experiencing. In a time when refugees are scapegoated, Jewish communities are rejecting such stereotypes and supporting people who only need a helping hand.

“I had to completely start over again at the age of 35,” shared Bahaa. “Not everyone knows how hard it is to be a refugee and how hard we work. Anyone who runs for their life has suffered and needs time to recover. Refugees need to feel safe and secure and welcome. Any simple thing you can do to help refugees will make a big difference.”