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Jewish support for refugee families continues

12/24/2018 10:07:27 AM

Dec24

Good news from Jewish Social Services (JSS)

Although the federal government is limiting the number of refugees accepted into the United States, JSS refugee resettlement efforts will continue to be funded for 2019. Its national partner, HIAS, had its grant renewed by the Department of State, allowing this vital work to continue through Jewish immigration assistance agencies across the country.

Shabbat services focused on refugees

During October, each of the three Madison synagogues and UW Hillel offered a Shabbat focused on refugees. At TBE, Professor Scott Straus spoke eloquently about the growing number of refugees and displaced persons around the world, and Rabbi Renee Bauer talked about JSS’s local refugee resettlement work. The moving and well-attended service was planned by the rabbi and cantor with the assistance of Sue and Vic Levy. An article about the services appeared in the December 2018 Madison Jewish News.

Documentary about refugee life

“This Is Home” is an award-winning documentary offering an intimate look at four Syrian refugee families as they try to adapt to life in the United States. A number of local organizations, including JSS, Wisconsin Faith Voices for Justice, Jewish Congregations for Social Justice, UW Hillel, and Lutheran Social Services, sponsored a showing of the film and led a thoughtful discussion afterward. The film examines the strengths and limitations of what refugee resettlement agencies can do to help families become self-sufficient. In case you missed it, the movie is available through several streaming video services.

April 26, 2024 18 Nisan 5784