Sign In Forgot Password
Home

Temple Beth El Blog

TBE volunteers provide a warm welcome for Congolese refugee family

08/02/2018 03:35:02 PM

Aug2

Social Action Committee

Jewish Social Services of Madison (JSS) has been resettling refugees escaping oppression and war for the last two years. TBE is honored to have welcomed one of these families, who arrived in May from the Democratic Republic of Congo. The mom, dad, and four daughters ages 3, 8, 11, and 13 were met at the airport by JSS staff and our congregants. Thanks to the generosity of our congregants, they arrived to a beautifully furnished home that was well stocked with all the needed household supplies, groceries, and a tasty first meal.

They are an incredibly kind, motivated, and appreciative family. They speak Swahili, and the parents take the bus to ESL classes daily to learn English. Two of the children are attending summer camp for the summer, partially supported by the money our congregants provided prior to the family’s arrival. The older children have attended summer school and are looking forward to returning to school in the fall. In addition, our congregants are providing tutoring and social opportunities for the children four days per week over the summer. We continue to work with JSS to provide transportation, clothes, smiles, and hugs.

Committee member Deborah Giesfeldt shared, “I love being part of this important work and am proud that our Temple took a leadership role. It is great to help others adjust to a better life. I am delighted to make new friends in the Temple family.” We are proud that our TBE community has come together and continues to work as a team to support this amazingly brave family!

Join Jewish organizations providing advocacy for refugees

This is a critical moment to advocate for the safety and dignity of refugees. For that reason, HIAS and Jewish Social Services of Madison are offering a timely Refugee Advocacy Training on Sunday, August 5, 12:00–5:00 pm, at UW Hillel.

As Jewish organizations, both HIAS and JSS Madison believe that our community cannot stand idly by as the United States slams the doors on tens of thousands of victims of violence and persecution. HIAS has been working to provide tools and training to communities around the country to be effective advocates in this moment. This training is part of a series happening in a few select locations around the country.

The training session will bring together advocates and leaders who are refugee professionals, Jewish professionals, refugees, and more. We encourage you to extend the invitation to others who are interested in being part of ongoing local advocacy efforts for refugees and asylum seekers. Sign up now.

April 17, 2024 9 Nisan 5784