May 21, 2026 – As anti-immigrant sentiment and antisemitism escalate across the United Kingdom and globally, a dedicated cohort of Jewish university students is charting a powerful course of action: championing the rights and advocating for the protection of refugees and asylum seekers. This proactive stance is being fostered through a groundbreaking initiative, the Student Refugee Ambassador Program (SRAP), a collaborative effort spearheaded by HIAS+JCORE and the Union of Jewish Students (UJS). The program aims to equip young individuals with the essential tools to counter misinformation, challenge hateful rhetoric, and cultivate robust support networks for those seeking refuge.
The genesis of SRAP can be traced to a pivotal moment for Samantha Lewkowicz, a recent graduate from the University of East Anglia and the Sabbatical Officer for Social Action and Holocaust Education at UJS. Last summer, an impactful HIAS+JCORE event, where she heard firsthand accounts from young refugees and asylum seekers, ignited a desire to translate empathy into tangible advocacy. Recognizing the potent intersection of Jewish values and the imperative to support displaced populations, Lewkowicz championed the establishment of a program designed to engage Jewish university students across the U.K. "We developed this program and weren’t sure there would be any interest, but then 50 students signed up," Lewkowicz recounted, highlighting the significant commitment of students dedicating their free time to this cause. "I know how busy students are. Trying to get them involved in anything is a challenge, let alone something where you’re devoting your free time to advocating for refugees and asylum seekers."
The inaugural year of the Student Refugee Ambassador Program has demonstrably succeeded in empowering its participants. SRAP provides a comprehensive curriculum that not only educates students about the complex realities faced by refugees but also reinforces their connection to their Jewish identity and heritage. Yael Peleg, HIAS+JCORE’s Community Engagement Director, emphasized the program’s dual focus: "With this program, we provide students with knowledge about refugees, but also we teach them to be proud of being Jewish. They understand our responsibility as Jews and our commitment to creating communities of welcome." This ethos is crucial, as the program seeks to foster a generation of advocates who are informed, empowered, and deeply rooted in their values.
SRAP: Building Capacity for Advocacy
The SRAP curriculum is meticulously designed to equip students with practical skills. Ambassadors learn to critically analyze prevailing narratives surrounding refugees and asylum seekers, identify and debunk prevalent myths, and develop persuasive communication strategies. "We’ve equipped ambassadors with the ability to challenge discrimination and hateful rhetoric around refugees and asylum seekers," Lewkowicz explained. "When they are out with their friends and the topic comes up, they now have the tools to speak out with facts and evidence-based information." This hands-on approach ensures that participants are not merely passive recipients of information but active agents of change within their social circles and wider communities.
Throughout the academic year, SRAP participants have engaged in a series of immersive learning experiences. These have included direct encounters with refugees and asylum seekers, offering invaluable personal perspectives on the arduous journeys and systemic challenges they face within the U.K.’s asylum system. The program has also facilitated meetings with Members of Parliament and other policy experts, providing students with insights into legislative processes and opportunities for political engagement. These interactions are vital for understanding the intricacies of policy-making and identifying avenues for systemic change.
The impact of these educational components is profound. "Ambassadors are amazed at how much they’ve learned. There is so much misinformation about refugees and asylum seekers," Lewkowicz observed. "It can be daunting to advocate when the media is very negative towards refugees. But knowing there are people at high levels who are making progress gives students the courage to speak up." This exposure to both the challenges and the possibilities of advocacy instills a sense of agency and resilience among the student ambassadors.
Personal Journeys of Solidarity
The personal connections forged through SRAP are deeply resonant. Phoebe, a master’s student at King’s College London, originally from Maryland in the United States, found the program to be a full-circle experience. Her father’s involvement in his Jewish community’s efforts to resettle Afghan refugee families in Maryland inspired her to join SRAP during her studies in the U.K. "It’s important to me that we as the Jewish community reach out because so many of us are descended from refugees ourselves," Phoebe shared. "I grew up hearing about how my own great grandparents came to the U.S. to escape persecution under the Russian Empire, as well as stories from my friends and neighbors about their own experiences in more recent times because where I’m originally from is one of the most diverse areas in the country, with a high immigrant and refugee population."
Phoebe’s firsthand observations in both the U.S. and the U.K. have underscored the detrimental impact of anti-immigrant policies and rhetoric on refugees and asylum seekers. She noted the struggles of refugees her father assists in the U.S., facing hurdles due to reduced humanitarian assistance and increased bureaucratic complexities from the U.S. government, alongside the constant anxiety of potential ICE raids and forced repatriation to Afghanistan. Concurrently, the U.K. grapples with similar policy debates that could impose devastating consequences on those seeking safety. "There’s a lot of overlap between the rise of xenophobia and antisemitism in the U.S. and the U.K. right now, and that’s why it’s important to me to have these conversations with people in both countries, so we can work towards combating it together," Phoebe stated, highlighting the transnational nature of these challenges and the need for unified action.
The Broader Context: Rising Xenophobia and Jewish Responsibility
The rise in anti-immigrant rhetoric and antisemitism is a critical backdrop against which SRAP operates. Data from various human rights organizations and academic studies indicate a global surge in discriminatory language and policies targeting marginalized groups, including refugees and minorities. In the U.K., recent years have seen increased political discourse and legislative proposals that have been criticized by advocacy groups for potentially undermining asylum protections and fostering hostility towards immigrants. This environment makes the work of organizations like HIAS+JCORE and UJS, and the students they empower, all the more vital.
The Jewish community’s historical experience with persecution and displacement imbues this advocacy with a unique and profound significance. For centuries, Jewish people have sought refuge from antisemitism and violence, making the plight of contemporary refugees a deeply resonant issue within the community. The concept of "Tikkun Olam" (repairing the world) is a guiding principle in Jewish ethics, often interpreted as a call to action to address injustice and suffering. SRAP directly channels this principle by mobilizing young Jews to actively contribute to a more just and compassionate world for those forced to flee their homes.
Looking Ahead: Sustaining Advocacy and Building Futures
With the conclusion of its highly successful first year, HIAS+JCORE and UJS are committed to the long-term sustainability of the Student Refugee Ambassador Program. Plans are underway to continue SRAP for at least the next two academic years, with the aim of expanding its reach and impact. The program’s vision extends beyond immediate advocacy, seeking to cultivate a new generation of leaders dedicated to addressing displacement issues on a global scale.
"My hope is that the SRAP graduates will take their knowledge and share it with others," Yael Peleg articulated. "Our voices aren’t loud enough at the moment. We need advocates for refugees, and my aspiration is that SRAP will grow in numbers from year to year, creating student grassroots advocacy on campuses." This vision of scalable, grassroots advocacy underscores the program’s potential to create lasting change.
The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated. At a time when xenophobia and antisemitism are on the rise globally, the need for individuals and communities to stand in solidarity with refugees and asylum seekers is paramount. "There is still so much more advocacy work to be done for refugees and asylum seekers, and this program is only the beginning of achieving a society where refugees and asylum seekers feel welcomed in our communities," Sam Lewkowicz reflected. Her concluding statement encapsulates the core humanitarian message of the program: "People fleeing war and persecution just want an opportunity to start over with their families. They are regular people just like us who want a normal life. They deserve the same respect as everyone else." The ongoing efforts of SRAP are a testament to the power of education, solidarity, and the unwavering commitment of young people to building a more inclusive and humane world.
This article was produced with support from HIAS+JCORE and the Union of Jewish Students.
