The global refugee crisis is one of the great humanitarian challenges of our generation. The West London Synagogue already works with some of the most vulnerable members of society in our asylum seekers' drop-in centre.
Now, in an initiative that has echoes of when the synagogue was responsible for an orphanage for children who survived the Holocaust, we hope to be part of a new plan to be a community sponsor for the most vulnerable refugees.
For the past few months, a group of communities, including the West London Synagogue - working with the National Refugees Welcome Board and Citizens UK - have helped shape a new scheme with the Home Office called Community Sponsorship. Starting this week, community groups will be able to assist directly in the resettlement of refugees who have been selected to come to the UK under the Vulnerable Persons Scheme. Communities will be responsible for emotional, practical and some financial support for the refugees. The scheme is similar to one that has welcomed thousands to Canada.
We are interested in this opportunity because we know our story. Generations later, the scars of being forced to flee our homes run deep. As such, the plight of the refugee and the reality of having to leave everything behind and cling to the hope of safety in a new land is something that resonates deeply throughout our community. It is, perhaps, the single most important Jewish ethical imperative - to reach out and support the stranger, for we were strangers and we know how long it takes the wounds to heal. We know the pain of being turned away and the gratitude that is felt to those who have taken a risk to offer sanctuary.
We live in unprecedented times, when communities, alongside governments, must do all they can to offer help to the most vulnerable refugees.
Scheme will help most vulnerable
World Jewish Relief has welcomed a scheme launched by the Home Office to encourage community groups to support refugees.
The Community Sponsorship scheme allows members of the public, community groups, faith groups, and charities to sponsor refugee families resettling in Britain.
Paul Anticoni, WJR chief executive, said the scheme would help the most vulnerable refugees.
So I hope Jewish communities across the country will seek out ways to be part of the scheme. Experience shows a small amount of kindness and practical support to us has been returned many times over through our contribution to the wider community, and the same opportunity must be offered to present-day refugees.
