In an era marked by increasing global displacement and a surge in xenophobic sentiments, the Jewish community has reaffirmed its commitment to welcoming refugees and asylum seekers through its eighth annual Refugee Shabbat. This year’s observance, held on March 13-14, 2026, saw an unprecedented global participation of 300 Jewish communities and 144 individuals across the United States, Canada, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. The initiative, spearheaded by HIAS, a leading Jewish humanitarian organization, aims to foster solidarity, raise awareness, and inspire action in support of those forced to flee their homes.
A Tradition of Welcome: The Genesis and Evolution of Refugee Shabbat
The concept of Refugee Shabbat emerged as a direct response to escalating global crises and the perceived erosion of humanitarian values in many parts of the world. Its inception eight years ago marked a conscious effort by the Jewish community to actively embody its core tenets of tikkun olam (repairing the world) and pikuach nefesh (saving a life), extending these principles to vulnerable populations seeking refuge. The annual observance provides a structured platform for Jewish individuals and congregations to engage with the complexities of refugee crises, moving beyond passive acknowledgment to active advocacy and support.
This year’s event arrives at a particularly challenging juncture. The global refugee population has continued to swell, with figures from the UNHCR indicating a steady rise in forced displacement over the past decade, exacerbated by geopolitical conflicts, climate change, and economic instability. Simultaneously, many nations have witnessed an intensification of anti-immigrant rhetoric and the implementation of more restrictive asylum policies. It is within this challenging landscape that Refugee Shabbat’s message of compassion and solidarity gains amplified significance.
Global Reach and Diverse Engagement
The widespread participation in Refugee Shabbat 2026 underscores its growing impact. From bustling urban centers to more dispersed communities, Jewish organizations and individuals organized a myriad of events designed to educate, engage, and inspire. These activities spanned a broad spectrum, including:
- Traditional Shabbat Services: Many congregations integrated themes of welcome and refuge into their regular Friday night and Saturday morning services, often featuring readings, sermons, and prayers specifically dedicated to refugees and asylum seekers.
- Educational Programs: These ranged from film screenings and panel discussions featuring refugee voices and experts to lectures on the history of Jewish refugees and the contemporary challenges they face.
- Cultural and Artistic Initiatives: Events such as art exhibitions showcasing the work of refugee artists and architectural tours highlighting contributions by immigrant architects provided unique avenues for engagement.
- Advocacy and Action Workshops: Participants were equipped with information and strategies to engage with policymakers, advocate for more humane refugee policies, and support local resettlement efforts.
Isabel Burton, HIAS’ Senior Director for Community Engagement, emphasized the critical timing of the initiative: "At a time when governments have slammed doors shut in the face of people seeking protection and safety, Refugee Shabbat feels particularly powerful and poignant. Refugee Shabbat gives us an opportunity to celebrate the inspiring actions of Jewish communities around the world, who are stepping up to respond in real time to these new realities. Together, we honor that work, support each other, and stand with refugees who simply seek sanctuary and a fresh start."
A United Front in the United States: Challenging Hostile Policies
In the United States, the impact of recent policy shifts on refugees and immigrants has been profound. The article notes that while federal policies have become more restrictive, the resolve of American communities to uphold humanitarian values has remained steadfast. This sentiment was powerfully reflected in Los Angeles, where Temple Israel of Hollywood, a long-standing HIAS partner, hosted a significant Refugee Shabbat service and program.
Led by Rabbi Lara Regev, the service underscored the Jewish imperative of welcome. The event featured insights from HIAS CEO Beth Oppenheim and HIAS’ Rabbi-in-Residence Sarah Bassin, who provided an overview of the current refugee resettlement landscape and outlined pathways for community involvement. Rabbi Sarah Bassin remarked, "I was honored to share words of Torah to ground ourselves through an era of moral disorientation in which our values are challenged daily." This sentiment highlights the spiritual and ethical grounding that drives community engagement in the face of political headwinds.
The engagement at Temple Israel of Hollywood exemplifies a broader trend: the resilience of grassroots activism in confronting challenging political climates. The organization’s commitment to education and advocacy serves as a model for other communities seeking to translate their values into tangible support for those in need.
Spotlight on the United Kingdom: A Surge in Support Amidst Division
In the United Kingdom, where immigration has become a focal point of political discourse and societal division, Refugee Shabbat has witnessed a remarkable surge in participation. HIAS+JCORE, a collaborative initiative between HIAS and the Jewish Council for Racial Equality, reported a record 66 participating communities this year, more than doubling the number from 2025.
Yael Peleg, HIAS+JCORE’s Community Engagement Director, expressed her elation: "It is truly remarkable to have this many communities taking part in Refugee Shabbat this year. There is so much inspiring work being done across the Jewish community to welcome refugees, and Refugee Shabbat 2026 is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate it."
The range of events organized in the UK demonstrated a deep commitment to understanding and solidarity. These included:
- Architectural Tours: A unique event explored buildings in central London designed by refugee and immigrant architects, showcasing their contributions to the urban landscape.
- Historical Cemetery Tours: A poignant tour of the historic Willesden Jewish Cemetery highlighted the stories of Jewish refugees and immigrants buried there, drawing parallels between historical and contemporary displacement.
- Community Discussions: Numerous synagogues hosted dialogues featuring refugees, asylum seekers, and community members, fostering personal connections and dispelling misconceptions.
Libi Sears, a refugee supporter and consultant with HIAS+JCORE partner Our Second Home, articulated the urgent need for nuanced and compassionate dialogue: "There is so much misinformation and a lack of compassion when it comes to refugees. Discussions around refugees and asylum seekers often lack nuance and kindness. Empathy and humanity should be at the forefront of any discussion about refugees."
One particularly impactful event was a cooking session hosted by OLAM, another HIAS partner. Charity, a former Nigerian refugee, shared her culinary heritage by teaching attendees to prepare a traditional meal. This hands-on experience offered a tangible connection to refugee culture and served as a springboard for learning about the work of HIAS and HIAS+JCORE. Sears’ concluding thought resonated deeply: "We should never stop talking about refugees. Refuge is a human right, and it is our responsibility as humans to provide compassion and safety."
Voices of Experience: Refugees Share Their Stories
Integral to the Refugee Shabbat initiative are the personal testimonies of refugees themselves. These firsthand accounts serve to humanize the abstract statistics of displacement and offer invaluable insights into the realities of seeking safety and rebuilding a life.
In London, at Finchley Progressive Synagogue (FPS), a deeply moving discussion took place between Lesley Urbach, a child of a Jewish refugee from Germany, and Bahaa and Alaa Alibrahim, brothers who found refuge in the UK after fleeing Syria. Bahaa shared, "Not everyone knows how hard we work. Everyone who flees for their life has suffered and needs time to recover. Refugees are very important in running this country." Alaa echoed this sentiment, highlighting the contributions of immigrants and refugees to societal development when provided with opportunities. Lesley Urbach, drawing on her family’s history, emphasized, "Immigrants contribute to this country. Immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers can help develop this country, when given the opportunity."
These narratives underscore a crucial point: refugees are not passive recipients of aid but active contributors to the societies that welcome them. Their experiences offer a powerful counter-narrative to the often-negative portrayals that fuel xenophobia.
A Message of Hope and Enduring Values
As Refugee Shabbat 2026 concludes, the overarching message is one of enduring hope and the unwavering commitment of the Jewish community to its core values. Rabbi David Mason, Executive Director of HIAS+JCORE, encapsulated this sentiment: "There is no doubt that we’re living in a difficult period. But this Refugee Shabbat is a message of hope and a loud statement from the Jewish community that we are with refugees. Together, our values of compassion and solidarity are so much stronger than hate and division."
The success of Refugee Shabbat is not measured solely by the number of participants, but by its ability to foster empathy, encourage dialogue, and inspire tangible action. In a world grappling with unprecedented humanitarian challenges, the annual observance serves as a vital reminder of the power of collective action rooted in deeply held ethical principles. HIAS’ ongoing work, supported by these community-wide observances, continues to provide essential services and advocacy for refugees and asylum seekers globally, reinforcing the idea that welcoming those in need is not just a charitable act, but a fundamental human and moral obligation. The organization continues to solicit donations to support its critical mission, emphasizing that "Now more than ever, your support is needed to help refugees and displaced people rebuild their lives."
