In its eighth year, HIAS’ Refugee Shabbat has emerged as a profound and resonant demonstration of the Jewish community’s unwavering commitment to supporting and standing in solidarity with refugees and asylum seekers. This year’s observance, held on March 13-14, 2026, arrives at a critical juncture, as rising tides of xenophobia threaten to erode decades of progress in welcoming those displaced by conflict and persecution. Refugee Shabbat serves not only as an annual focal point but also as a potent reminder of the continuous, often behind-the-scenes, work undertaken by Jewish organizations and individuals throughout the year to offer refuge and support, underscoring the centrality of welcome within Jewish values.
“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,” stated Isabel Burton, HIAS’ Senior Director for Community Engagement. “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.”
The 2026 observance saw a significant expansion in participation, with 300 Jewish communities and 144 individuals engaging from across the globe. This widespread involvement spanned continents, including the United States, Canada, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. The diverse array of events reflected the multifaceted nature of refugee advocacy and support, encompassing art exhibitions, film screenings, and traditional Shabbat services held on Friday evening and Saturday morning. Across these varied activities, participants demonstrated a collective resolve to support refugees and to actively learn how they could become advocates on their behalf during a period marked by considerable global challenges to refugee protection.
United States: Resilience in the Face of Adversarial Policies
In the United States, the preceding year has been characterized by significant policy shifts and rhetoric from the Trump administration that have been described as devastating for refugees and immigrants. Despite these challenges, the spirit of welcome and community support has remained robust. The widespread participation in Refugee Shabbat across the U.S. this year indicates that while immigration policies may have evolved, the fundamental values of empathy and compassion among many Americans have not diminished. Instead, the period has illuminated the strength and resilience of communities dedicated to rejecting fear and promoting inclusivity.
One prominent example of this commitment was observed in Los Angeles, where Temple Israel of Hollywood, a long-standing partner of HIAS, hosted a dedicated Refugee Shabbat service and program. Led by Rabbi Lara Regev, the event was designed to honor the core Jewish value of welcome. The service featured reflections on the dedication of those actively involved in welcoming newcomers. HIAS CEO Beth Oppenheim and HIAS’ Rabbi-in-Residence Sarah Bassin provided insights into the current landscape of refugee resettlement and outlined actionable pathways for community members to engage with HIAS’ advocacy efforts.
“I was honored to share words of Torah to ground ourselves through an era of moral disorientation in which our values are challenged daily,” remarked Rabbi Sarah Bassin, reflecting on the significance of the observance in the current climate.
United Kingdom: A Growing Countermovement for Compassion
In the United Kingdom, where discussions surrounding immigration have also become increasingly polarized, an inspiring countermovement spearheaded by HIAS+JCORE has gained significant momentum. This year’s Refugee Shabbat witnessed a record-breaking 66 participating communities, more than doubling the number from 2025, signaling a powerful surge in engagement and solidarity.
Yael Peleg, HIAS+JCORE’s Community Engagement Director, expressed her enthusiasm: “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 events organized across the UK were notably diverse and thought-provoking. These included an architectural tour in central London focusing on buildings designed by refugee and immigrant architects, a poignant tour of the historic Willesden Jewish Cemetery to learn about the lives of Jewish refugees and immigrants buried there, and numerous discussions held within synagogues nationwide. Thousands of British Jews engaged with these events, deepening their understanding of the issues facing refugees and immigrants and exploring avenues for advocacy.
Libi Sears, a refugee supporter and consultant with HIAS+JCORE partner Our Second Home, articulated a common sentiment: “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.”
Sears was among the 20 supporters who participated in a cooking event hosted by OLAM, a key HIAS partner. The event, one of the initial activities marking Refugee Shabbat in the UK, featured Charity, a former Nigerian refugee, who guided attendees in preparing a traditional meal with a vegan twist. Participants also gained valuable insights into the work of HIAS and HIAS+JCORE and learned about tangible ways they could contribute to supporting refugees, asylum seekers, and displaced individuals within the UK.
“We should never stop talking about refugees,” Sears emphasized. “Refuge is a human right, and it is our responsibility as humans to provide compassion and safety.”
Chronology of Key Events in the UK:
- March 11, 2026: A cooking event hosted by OLAM in London kicked off the Refugee Shabbat observances in the UK, bringing together supporters and former refugees to share culture and learn about HIAS+JCORE’s work.
- March 12, 2026: HIAS+JCORE hosted a launch event in London, featuring addresses from community leaders and advocates, underscoring the importance of Jewish solidarity with refugees.
- March 13, 2026: Multiple events took place across the UK, including an architecture tour in London and various synagogue services.
- March 14, 2026: Synagogues like Finchley Progressive Synagogue held special Shabbat services, often featuring personal testimonies from refugees and discussions with members who have personal connections to refugee experiences. The Willesden Jewish Cemetery hosted a tour focusing on Jewish immigrants and refugees.
Broader Impact and Implications:
The widespread engagement in Refugee Shabbat highlights a growing awareness within Jewish communities globally about the plight of displaced populations and the ethical imperatives to respond. The event serves as a crucial platform for education, fostering empathy, and mobilizing action. In an era where refugee crises continue to be driven by complex geopolitical factors, including ongoing conflicts in regions such as Syria and Ukraine, and climate-induced displacement, the role of organizations like HIAS and its partners becomes increasingly vital.
The data from this year’s Refugee Shabbat – with its significant increase in participation, particularly in the UK – suggests a strengthening of communal resolve. This trend is particularly noteworthy given the backdrop of political discourse in many Western nations that has, at times, been characterized by restrictive immigration policies and heightened public anxieties about asylum seekers. The proactive engagement of Jewish communities in organizing events, sharing personal stories, and advocating for policy changes demonstrates a commitment to upholding universal humanitarian values.
The analysis of implications suggests that such organized communal observances can have a tangible impact on public perception and policy. By bringing together diverse voices, including those of refugees themselves, and by grounding advocacy in deeply held religious and ethical principles, Refugee Shabbat contributes to a more informed and compassionate public discourse. Furthermore, the collaborative efforts between HIAS, HIAS+JCORE, and various partner organizations underscore the power of collective action in addressing complex humanitarian challenges.
A Call to Action and Enduring Values:
The message resonating from Refugee Shabbat 2026 is one of hope and enduring solidarity. As Rabbi David Mason, HIAS+JCORE’s Executive Director, articulated, “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 tradition of welcoming the stranger, deeply embedded in Jewish texts and history, continues to inspire contemporary action. From the child of a Jewish refugee from Germany sharing her story to Syrian brothers who found support upon arriving in London, the intergenerational and cross-cultural connections forged during Refugee Shabbat events are powerful testaments to shared humanity. The emphasis on the contributions that immigrants and refugees make to society, as highlighted by speakers like Lesley Urbach and Bahaa Alibrahim, serves to counter prevailing narratives that often focus solely on the challenges of integration.
The ongoing need for support is underscored by HIAS’ continuous efforts to assist refugees and displaced people in rebuilding their lives. The organization’s call for donations reflects the reality that humanitarian aid and advocacy require sustained resources. As Refugee Shabbat concludes, the commitment to welcome, to advocate, and to act with compassion remains a guiding principle for Jewish communities worldwide. The success of this year’s observance is not just in the numbers but in the deepening of understanding, the strengthening of resolve, and the reaffirmation of a shared commitment to a more just and humane world for all.
