Sinai’s Ukrainian Refugee Project

The Temple has always stood for compassion and supporting those in need. In response to the war in Ukraine, our Temple now has a Welcome Circle and core group of 36 volunteers with the opportunity to sponsor a Ukranian refugee family’s resettlement in the US.  We’ll be working through HIAS (founded as the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society).  Tikkun Olam and tzedakah are at the core of this project . 
 
Imagine giving this family a chance at a new life, far away from the horrific war.  We can offer them a fresh start, providing financial assistance for their resettlement, housing, education and essential needs.  Together we can give them hope and a chance to rebuild their lives.  
 
This is going to be almost a full-year project and fundraising is the critical threshold first step. 100% of the funds raised will be used to support this family. Unspent funds will be returned to donors, or used to fund a second family.  Importantly, the members of the Welcome Circle have committed to donating a minimum of $8,000, or 20% of our initial goal.  
 
Our intention and primary goal is to bring over a Jewish family, however, if we cannot locate a Jewish family in need through HIAS or through our personal networks, we intend to proceed to bring over a family regardless of faith.
 
This project will create opportunities for volunteer engagement in all sorts of ways as it progresses, so we appreciate both your financial and/or volunteer support.  The Temple’s website now includes a donation link for the Welcome Circle.  Alternatively, you can conveniently make your donation below.
 
Thank you very much for your support.  We look forward to providing progress reports as we get closer to identifying and bringing over a family.

“Our family arrived in Munich in the fall of 1945, after crossing two borders illegally, as Displaced Persons (“DP”). My Father contacted HIAS, where Rabbi Bloom was in charge of trying to help the DP’s from many countries. Rabbi Bloom and his American team had difficulties communicating with the DP’s from many countries, and when the Rabbi met my father, a lawyer who spoke 7 languages, he invited him to join in the organization of the service. Father joined HIAS, and after the organization was set up, and the first transports of the DP’s were on the way to the US and other countries, HIAS sponsored us to the United States.”

~ Selma Rossen, Sinai Past President

If not us, who?  If not now, when?  

Temple Sinai’s Social Action Committee is leading the effort to bring a Ukrainian Refugee Family to the United States.  

We need YOUR support:  

Please click HERE to donate.

If you are interested in volunteering for any of the following committees, contact  Eric Barr or Ian Singer.

• Housing & Basic Needs
• Benefits & Healthcare Needs
• Welcoming & Local Orientation Needs
• Education & Language Needs - WE NEED UKRAINIAN/RUSSIAN SPEAKERS
• Employment Needs
• Documentation & Legal Needs