London, UK – July 17, 2026 – In a landmark achievement for refugee support in the United Kingdom, Finchley Progressive Synagogue (FPS) has been officially recognized as the nation’s first Synagogue of Sanctuary. The designation, awarded on June 16, 2026, by HIAS+JCORE (a partnership between HIAS, the global Jewish refugee agency, and the Jewish Council for Racial Equality), celebrates the synagogue’s decade-long commitment to welcoming and supporting refugees and asylum seekers. The initiative, developed in partnership with City of Sanctuary UK, highlights the growing movement of sanctuary across various institutions, including cities, schools, and universities, within the UK.
The award ceremony, held at the synagogue in London, brought together community leaders, refugee advocates, and individuals who have directly benefited from FPS’s extensive support programs. Among those present were HIAS+JCORE’s Rabbi David Mason, former Syrian refugee and community leader Alaa, and FPS’s Refugee Projects Coordinator Tamara Joseph. The event underscored the profound impact of community-led initiatives in providing vital assistance and fostering a sense of belonging for those displaced by conflict and persecution.
A Decade of Dedication: The Genesis of FPS’s Refugee Support
The journey of Finchley Progressive Synagogue as a haven for refugees began in earnest around 2015, when the escalating Syrian civil war prompted a global humanitarian crisis. In that year, FPS, in collaboration with Barnet Citizens, successfully lobbied Barnet Council to commit to resettling 50 Syrian refugees. This pivotal campaign marked the beginning of a sustained and multifaceted effort to integrate newcomers into the local community.
The initial phase of FPS’s involvement focused on practical support and community building. This included coordinating essential services, offering English language lessons, and hosting weekly coffee mornings that ran for three years. These efforts were instrumental in helping refugees navigate their new environment and begin to establish roots.
Alaa and Bahaa, two Syrian brothers who arrived in the UK in 2016, shared their personal experiences of displacement and the transformative impact of FPS’s welcoming embrace. Having been displaced multiple times, first to Lebanon and then to Jordan, they were seeking stability and a place to rebuild their lives. Their search for information about their new home in Barnet, north London, led them to discover the Jewish community’s advocacy for refugee resettlement.
"We were displaced not only from country to country, but also from our community," Alaa recalled. Their initial apprehension about a new culture and religious community soon gave way to a profound sense of belonging. "Making friendships with the synagogue made us feel welcome," Bahaa stated, reflecting on how the Jewish community became their "family in the U.K."
Alaa and Bahaa quickly became active participants and leaders within FPS, contributing to the development of the Syrian refugee community in Barnet. Alaa described FPS as "a pioneer in supporting Syrian refugees," highlighting the synagogue’s proactive role in addressing the needs of those fleeing conflict. Their personal journeys exemplify the success of FPS’s integration strategies, which go beyond mere provision of services to fostering genuine human connection and mutual understanding.
Expanding the Circle of Sanctuary: Supporting Diverse Refugee Populations
Over the past decade, Finchley Progressive Synagogue has broadened its scope of support to include a diverse range of individuals seeking refuge. Following their initial work with Syrian refugees, FPS extended its assistance to Ukrainian families displaced by the ongoing conflict in their homeland. Furthermore, the synagogue has established the Rainbow Lunch Club, a dedicated initiative for LGBTQ+ individuals seeking asylum. This club provides a safe and affirming space, offering essential access to food and a range of support services tailored to the unique challenges faced by this vulnerable group.
Tamara Joseph, Refugee Projects Coordinator at FPS, articulated the evolving nature of the synagogue’s commitment. "Our work with refugees has deepened over the years. Welcoming the stranger is no longer just what we do at FPS. It’s who we are," she stated. Joseph emphasized the privilege of working with individuals from across the globe and the reciprocal learning and fulfillment derived from these interactions. "It’s been such a privilege to work with so many remarkable people from across the world. We’ve learned so much and it has been so fulfilling and joyful."
Empowering Refugees: From Social Support to Systemic Change
Recognizing the need for ongoing support and integration, FPS, in partnership with the local refugee organization New Citizens Gateway, recently launched a men’s group for asylum seekers housed in a local hotel. This initiative offers crucial social and cultural orientation, equipping individuals with the necessary tools and knowledge to prepare for their future steps after obtaining legal status.
Joseph expressed a forward-looking perspective on the synagogue’s efforts. "I’m happy to celebrate the work that we’ve done, but we like to set ambitions to do even more," she remarked. Her vision extends beyond direct service provision and advocacy, emphasizing the importance of "co-production, leadership development, and campaigning for systemic change." This approach underscores a commitment to empowering refugees to become active agents in their own integration and in shaping the policies that affect them.
The designation as a Synagogue of Sanctuary is a testament to FPS’s comprehensive approach. The Synagogue of Sanctuary program, a collaboration between City of Sanctuary UK and HIAS+JCORE, not only acknowledges the vital work undertaken by Jewish communities in supporting refugees but also creates a platform for sharing best practices and building collective expertise. FPS now joins a growing network of sanctuary institutions across the UK, which includes cities, schools, and universities, signifying a national movement towards greater inclusivity and welcome.
Rabbi David Mason, Executive Director at HIAS+JCORE, lauded FPS’s achievements and highlighted the broader significance of their work in the current socio-political climate. "At a time of deepening division, the work of partners like Finchley Progressive Synagogue gives me so much hope," he stated. He acknowledged the rise in antisemitism and the potential for such challenges to foster inward-looking responses. "Rising antisemitism could tempt us to put up walls and retreat inward, but I’m proud that so many across the Jewish community continue to boldly put their values into action."
The Broader Impact and Future Aspirations
HIAS+JCORE hopes that Finchley Progressive Synagogue’s pioneering role will inspire other Jewish communities across the UK to engage in similar initiatives. Yael Peleg, Community Engagement Director at HIAS+JCORE, issued a call to action: "I would encourage any interested synagogue to join our movement: it is more important than ever that we stand together to welcome refugees."
The ongoing work at FPS, in close partnership with refugees like Alaa and Bahaa, serves as a powerful counter-narrative to the prevailing discourse that often scapegoats refugees. By offering a helping hand and a supportive community, Jewish institutions are actively rejecting stereotypes and embracing their core values of compassion and hospitality.
Bahaa’s personal reflection encapsulates the profound impact of this support: "I had to completely start over again at the age of 35. Not everyone knows how hard it is to be a refugee and how hard we work. Anyone who runs for their life has suffered and needs time to recover. Refugees need to feel safe and secure and welcome. Any simple thing you can do to help refugees will make a big difference."
The designation of Finchley Progressive Synagogue as the U.K.’s first Synagogue of Sanctuary is more than just an award; it is a recognition of a sustained commitment to humanitarian principles and a beacon of hope in an increasingly complex world. It underscores the vital role that faith-based communities can play in fostering social cohesion, promoting human dignity, and building a more inclusive society for all. The success of FPS serves as a powerful example of how deeply held values can be translated into tangible action, making a profound difference in the lives of those who have been forced to flee their homes.
