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.<\/p>\n
Alaa and Bahaa didn\u2019t know much about Jews before arriving in London. But soon, the Jewish community would become their \u201cfamily in the U.K.\u201d, as Bahaa said.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe were displaced not only from country to country, but also from our community,\u201d Alaa shared.<\/p>\n
In 2015, Finchley Progressive Synagogue<\/a> (FPS), a long-time HIAS+JCORE<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cMaking friendships with the synagogue made us feel welcome,\u201d said Bahaa.<\/p>\n Alaa and Bahaa quickly became deeply involved with FPS in\u00a0building the Syrian refugee community in Barnet.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cThis synagogue was a pioneer in supporting Syrian refugees,\u201d\u00a0said Alaa.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cOur work with refugees has deepened over the years. Welcoming the stranger is no longer just what we do at FPS. It\u2019s who we are,\u201d said Tamara Joseph, Refugee Projects Coordinator at FPS. \u201cIt\u2019s been such a privilege to work with so many remarkable people from across the world. We\u2019ve learned so much and it has been so fulfilling and joyful.\u201d<\/p>\n FPS and Alaa recently launched a men\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m happy to celebrate the work that we\u2019ve done, but we like to set ambitions to do even more,\u201d Tamara said. \u201cIt\u2019s really important that we go beyond service provision and advocacy, and focus on co-production, leadership development, and campaigning for systemic change.\u201d<\/p>\n