JSCN is a member of the Refugee Task Force convened by the JLC and Board of Deputies.
I thought you would like an update on the knowledge that is currently being shared.
Not many Jewish refugees have chosen to come to the UK. Most are going to Israel.
Of those that are arriving in the UK, most are being directed by World Jewish Relief to specific locations in the London area where targeted support is being provided.
Other Jewish communities around the country, notably Birmingham, have mobilised to support any Ukrainian refugees arriving in their area.
You are probably aware that the visa process is delaying the arrival of many refugees.
Below are some highlight points with links.
- World Jewish Relief will be hosting a Webinar on 23rd May designed to inform people about the sponsorship process to help them decide if this is something they would like to do. Anyone is welcome to join the webinar, you can sign up here / circulate the link:
https://www.worldjewishrelief.org/get-involved/events/1322-homes-for-ukraine-webinar
- World Jewish Relief have expanded their STEP employment scheme to work with refugees up and down the country. Referrals for an assessment can be sent directly to their STEP Ukraine Advisor, Veronika, who speaks both Russian and Ukrainian. Her email address is Veronika@worldjewishrelief.org.
- At the time of the meeting, we had 16 responses to the hosting survey. It was felt that this has not been seen widely enough – so please do help us to circulate this
https://forms.gle/JbRxv4ocA1eArhtv6
- JVN are exploring befriending opportunities. We sense that it won’t be difficult to find suitable volunteers for this, but that some refugee specific befriending training would likely be needed. If anybody knows or hears of any organisations that could provide this, please be in touch.
- Information will be shared shortly regarding an online seminar that Jami have put together for hosts regarding trauma informed mental health and wellbeing, please can you keep an eye out for this and also help us to promote it.