In a landmark moment for refugee support and interfaith solidarity in the United Kingdom, Finchley Progressive Synagogue (FPS) has been officially recognized as the nation’s inaugural Synagogue of Sanctuary. This prestigious designation, awarded on June 16, 2026, by HIAS+JCORE (Jewish integration, homelessness, and asylum service and Jewish Council for Racial Equality), marks a significant milestone in the synagogue’s decade-long commitment to welcoming and supporting refugees and asylum seekers. The celebration event, held at the synagogue in London, brought together community leaders, refugees, and advocates to honor this pioneering achievement.
The journey to becoming a Synagogue of Sanctuary is deeply rooted in the community’s response to the Syrian refugee crisis. In 2016, brothers Alaa and Bahaa, Syrian refugees who had already endured multiple displacements, found hope when they learned of their resettlement in the UK. Their initial research led them to Barnet, a north London borough with a significant Jewish population, where they discovered that the local Jewish community was actively advocating for the resettlement of Syrian refugees. This information offered an immediate sense of potential connection and belonging in their new, uncertain future.
"We were displaced not only from country to country, but also from our community," Alaa shared, reflecting on their arduous journey from Syria to Lebanon, then to Jordan, before their eventual arrival in the UK. The brothers, who had been working long hours to make ends meet in their temporary locations, were eager to establish roots in a safe environment and begin rebuilding their lives.
Finchley Progressive Synagogue had already established itself as a key player in refugee advocacy. In 2015, a year prior to Alaa and Bahaa’s resettlement, FPS, a long-standing partner of HIAS+JCORE, spearheaded a successful campaign through Barnet Citizens. This initiative urged Barnet Council to commit to accepting 50 Syrian refugees. The synagogue played a crucial role in mobilizing civil society institutions to support the integration of these newcomers and their families. Their comprehensive support system included coordinating essential services, offering English language lessons, and hosting a weekly coffee morning for three years, creating a vital space for connection and mutual support.
It was within the welcoming embrace of FPS’s coffee club and other refugee-focused activities that Alaa and Bahaa, along with their families, found the sense of community they had so profoundly missed. "Making friendships with the synagogue made us feel welcome," Bahaa recounted, highlighting the profound impact of these interactions. The brothers quickly became deeply involved with FPS, contributing significantly to the development of the Syrian refugee community in Barnet. "This synagogue was a pioneer in supporting Syrian refugees," Alaa affirmed, underscoring the synagogue’s proactive and foundational role.
A Decade of Dedicated Service and Evolving Commitment
FPS’s commitment to refugees and asylum seekers extends beyond its pivotal role in the Syrian crisis. For over a decade, the synagogue has consistently opened its doors and resources to those seeking safety and stability. Initially focusing on Syrian refugees, their mission expanded to embrace individuals fleeing conflict and persecution from other regions, including a significant effort to support Ukrainian refugees.
Tamara Joseph, Refugee Projects Coordinator at FPS, articulated the evolving nature of their work: "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. 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." This sentiment reflects a profound integration of refugee support into the core identity of the congregation.
FPS, in collaboration with Alaa, recently launched a new initiative: a men’s group specifically for individuals seeking asylum who are housed in a local hotel. This program, developed in partnership with the local refugee organization New Citizens Gateway, provides crucial social and cultural orientation support. Its aim is to equip asylum seekers with the knowledge and confidence needed to navigate their next steps after potentially receiving legal status, fostering independence and successful integration.
Looking ahead, Tamara Joseph expressed a forward-thinking vision for the synagogue’s engagement: "I’m happy to celebrate the work that we’ve done, but we like to set ambitions to do even more. It’s really important that we go beyond service provision and advocacy, and focus on co-production, leadership development, and campaigning for systemic change." This statement signals a commitment to empowering refugees and fostering sustainable, community-led solutions.
The Synagogue of Sanctuary Movement: A Beacon of Hope
The designation of FPS as the U.K.’s first Synagogue of Sanctuary is a testament to its sustained and impactful work. This program, developed in partnership with City of Sanctuary UK, is an initiative of HIAS+JCORE aimed at recognizing and celebrating the life-changing work undertaken by Jewish communities to support refugees. The Synagogue of Sanctuary program also serves as a platform for sharing best practices and building expertise among participating congregations, thereby strengthening the broader network of sanctuary across the UK. FPS now stands alongside other sanctuary-recognized institutions, including cities, schools, and universities, solidifying its place within a growing national movement.
Rabbi David Mason, Executive Director at HIAS+JCORE, conveyed his deep optimism regarding FPS’s achievements: "At a time of deepening division, the work of partners like Finchley Progressive Synagogue gives me so much hope. 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." His remarks highlight the critical importance of such initiatives in counteracting rising xenophobia and reinforcing the Jewish community’s commitment to humanitarian values.
Data and Context: The Broader Landscape of Refugee Support
The recognition of FPS comes at a time when global displacement figures continue to rise. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), by the end of 2023, over 117 million people worldwide had been forced to flee their homes due to conflict, violence, persecution, and human rights violations. The UK, like many developed nations, faces the complex challenge of integrating these individuals while navigating domestic political and social dynamics.
Data from HIAS+JCORE indicates a growing engagement from faith communities in refugee support. Their Synagogue of Sanctuary program has seen increasing interest, reflecting a broader trend of faith-based organizations stepping into crucial roles in humanitarian aid and advocacy. The program aims to equip synagogues with the tools and knowledge to become active centers of welcome, offering practical support and fostering a culture of empathy and solidarity.
Implications and Future Directions
The establishment of the UK’s first Synagogue of Sanctuary has significant implications. Firstly, it provides a powerful model for other faith communities looking to emulate FPS’s success in refugee support. It demonstrates that a congregation can become a central hub for welcome, providing not just material assistance but also a vital sense of belonging and dignity.
Secondly, it contributes to a more nuanced public discourse surrounding refugees. By highlighting the positive contributions and the humanity of those seeking asylum, initiatives like this challenge negative stereotypes and scapegoating. The personal testimonies of individuals like Alaa and Bahaa, who have actively contributed to their new communities, serve as powerful counter-narratives to divisive rhetoric.
The broader impact extends to policy advocacy. HIAS+JCORE and its partners, including FPS, are actively engaged in advocating for more humane and effective asylum policies. The Synagogue of Sanctuary movement strengthens their collective voice, demonstrating widespread community support for refugees and pressuring policymakers to adopt more compassionate approaches.
A Call to Action and Continued Dedication
HIAS+JCORE hopes that the pioneering work of Finchley Progressive Synagogue will inspire other Jewish communities across the UK to join the movement. Yael Peleg, Community Engagement Director at HIAS+JCORE, issued a direct 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 Finchley Progressive Synagogue, in close partnership with refugees like Alaa and Bahaa, underscores the profound impact of direct engagement. Having experienced firsthand the challenges of rebuilding a life from scratch, these individuals bring invaluable perspective and empathy to the integration process. In an era where refugees are too often subjected to prejudice, Jewish communities are actively choosing to reject such stereotypes and extend a helping hand.
Bahaa’s poignant reflection encapsulates the core of this mission: "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." His words serve as a powerful reminder of the fundamental human need for safety, security, and acceptance, and the profound impact of even the simplest acts of kindness. The designation of FPS as the UK’s first Synagogue of Sanctuary is not an endpoint, but a significant milestone in a continuous journey of compassion, solidarity, and active welcome.
