East London and Essex Liberal Synagogue (ELELS) hosted an inspiring evening with two speakers whose work supporting refugees is deeply connected to our Jewish values and history. Anna Pincus and Stephen Klein spoke and answered questions about the work of Gatwick Detainees’ Welfare Group (GDWG) – which seeks to improve … Read More
Volunteer and make a difference for asylum seeker families
A team of dedicated volunteers at The Liberal Jewish Synagogue (LJS) in St John’s Wood are rolling up their sleeves to bring hope and warmth to families seeking asylum in the UK. At the heart of their effort is the LJS Drop-in, an initiative that transforms the synagogue into a … Read More
Supporting refugees and those seeking sanctuary
Progressive Jewish communities have been taking part in Refugee Week, which celebrates the contribution, creativity and resilience of refugees and others seeking sanctuary. This year, Menorah Outreach and Greater Manchester Jewish Action for Refugees held a joint meeting at Menorah Synagogue with a theme of ‘Our Home’. Speakers included Tim … Read More
Progressive Judaism backs calls for new deal on refugee integration
Two prominent Progressive Jews have played a key role in a report calling for a new deal on refugee integration that works for both refugees and wider British society. Progressive Judaism Advisory Board Chair Dr Ed Kessler MBE is Chair of the Commission on the Integration of Refugees, which spent … Read More
Statement on MP’s unacceptable comments about asylum seekers
Liberal Judaism’s rabbis have raised concern at remarks made by Lee Anderson MP on Tuesday. A spokesperson for the Conference of Liberal Rabbis and Cantors said: “As British Jewish leaders, we are only too aware of the impact that hostility towards minorities and immigrant communities can have. “Invective such as … Read More
Faith leaders call for “just and compassionate” asylum policy
Progressive Judaism’s leaders, Rabbi Charley Baginsky and Rabbi Josh Levy, have joined the Archbishops of Canterbury and York and senior Muslim, Hindu and Sikh leaders to urge the Government to follow a “just and compassionate” asylum policy. Ahead of the final Report Stage debate on the Illegal Migration Bill in … Read More
[Video] Faith leaders oppose Illegal Migration Bill
Progressive Judaism leaders have joined with their Muslim and Christian counterparts to voice opposition to the Illegal Migration Bill. Those speaking out include Liberal Judaism President Rabbi Alexandra Wright, Reform Judaism CEO Rabbi Josh Levy and Rabbi Robyn Ashworth-Steen of Manchester Reform Synagogue. They all appear in a powerful video, … Read More
Birmingham shines a light on refugees during Chanukah
Members of Birmingham Progressive Synagogue (BPS) have produced a collection of readings for Chanukah, centring the refugee story within the Festival of Lights. The collection features eight diverse accounts of refugees who made their home in the UK, one for each night of candle lighting. The stories featured in the … Read More
Letter to The Times: Call to abandon Rwanda policy
A number of Liberal Judaism rabbis, including CEO Rabbi Charley Baginsky, have signed this important letter in today’s edition of The Times: Sir, Last week’s unveiling of a new Kindertransport memorial statue in Harwich reminds us of Britain’s duty to welcome refugees, and the consequences of failing to protect those … Read More
Truus’ Children – a film about a forgotten war hero
By Rabbi Dr Margaret Jacobi Just before lockdown, in March 2020, my brother (Rabbi Richard Jacobi) and I were invited to the film premiere of Truus’ Children in Amsterdam. Our father, Rabbi Harry Jacobi, had been interviewed for the movie but had sadly died not long before its release, so … Read More