In its eighth annual observance, HIAS’s Refugee Shabbat has emerged as a potent testament to the Jewish community’s unwavering support for and solidarity with refugees worldwide. This year’s commemoration, held on March 13-14, 2026, arrives at a critical juncture, as a surge in global xenophobia threatens to erode decades of progress in welcoming displaced individuals. The widespread participation in Refugee Shabbat serves as a powerful, visible indicator of the year-round dedication within Jewish communities to assisting refugees and immigrants, reinforcing the fundamental Jewish value of welcome.
“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’s 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 iteration saw an unprecedented level of engagement, with 300 Jewish communities and 144 individuals participating globally. These communities, spanning the United States, Canada, South Africa, and the United Kingdom, organized a diverse array of events. From thought-provoking art exhibitions and insightful film screenings to traditional Shabbat services, the common thread was a commitment to demonstrating solidarity and advocating for refugees. Participants engaged actively, seeking to understand the challenges faced by displaced populations and identifying tangible ways to offer support and advocate on their behalf during this challenging period.
The U.S. Landscape: Resilience Amidst Policy Shifts
In the United States, the preceding year had been marked by significant policy shifts and rhetoric impacting refugees and immigrants. The Trump administration’s policies and public statements had created a climate of uncertainty and fear for many seeking asylum and refuge. Despite these governmental actions, the spirit of welcome and compassion within American communities remained robust. Rather than succumbing to fear, the year had, in many instances, galvanized communities to actively reject xenophobic narratives and reaffirm their commitment to humanitarian values.
One such example of this resilience was observed in Los Angeles, where Temple Israel of Hollywood, a long-standing partner of HIAS, hosted a comprehensive Refugee Shabbat service and program. Led by Rabbi Lara Regev, the event centered on the Jewish imperative to welcome the stranger. The service specifically highlighted the contributions of individuals and organizations dedicated to assisting newcomers. The program also featured addresses from HIAS CEO Beth Oppenheim and HIAS Rabbi-in-Residence Sarah Bassin, who provided critical insights into the evolving landscape of refugee resettlement and outlined pathways for community members to engage in advocacy and support.
“I was honored to share words of Torah to ground ourselves through an era of moral disorientation in which our values are challenged daily,” Rabbi Sarah remarked during the event. Her words underscored the spiritual and ethical grounding that informed the community’s engagement with the refugee crisis.
Spotlight on the United Kingdom: A Record Surge in Participation
In the United Kingdom, a growing division over immigration policies has been met with a powerful countermovement driven by HIAS+JCORE, a collaboration dedicated to fostering a more compassionate approach to refugees. This year’s Refugee Shabbat witnessed a record-breaking 66 communities participating, more than doubling the number from 2025. This significant increase signals a growing awareness and commitment within the British Jewish community to address the plight of refugees and asylum seekers.
“It is truly remarkable to have this many communities taking part in Refugee Shabbat this year,” stated Yael Peleg, HIAS+JCORE’s Community Engagement Director. “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 as diverse as the participating communities. In London, an innovative architecture tour showcased buildings designed by refugee and immigrant architects, highlighting their contributions to the urban landscape. Another poignant event involved a guided tour of Willesden Jewish Cemetery, focusing on the stories of Jewish refugees and immigrants interred there, offering a historical perspective on displacement and sanctuary. Numerous synagogues across the country hosted discussions, film screenings, and educational programs designed to foster understanding and empathy. Thousands of British Jews engaged with these events, demonstrating a deep-seated desire to confront the complex issues affecting refugees and immigrants.
Libi Sears, a refugee supporter and consultant with Our Second Home, a HIAS+JCORE partner organization, emphasized the critical need for nuanced and compassionate dialogue. “There is so much misinformation and a lack of compassion when it comes to refugees,” Sears observed. “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 20 supporters who participated in a vibrant cooking event hosted by OLAM, a key HIAS partner. The event, held in London, was one of the initial activities marking the commencement of Refugee Shabbat in the UK. Charity, a former Nigerian refugee, shared her culinary heritage by teaching attendees how to prepare a traditional meal with a vegan adaptation. Beyond the culinary experience, participants gained valuable insights into the work of HIAS and HIAS+JCORE, learning about actionable ways to support refugees, asylum seekers, and displaced individuals within the UK.
“We should never stop talking about refugees,” Libi Sears asserted. “Refuge is a human right, and it is our responsibility as humans to provide compassion and safety.”
Chronology of Key Events in London
The Refugee Shabbat initiative in London unfolded over several days, building momentum towards the central weekend observance.
- March 11, 2026: The week commenced with a cooking event hosted by OLAM, featuring a former Nigerian refugee, Charity. This event, attended by approximately 20 supporters, including Libi Sears, served as an early engagement opportunity, blending cultural exchange with advocacy.
- March 12, 2026: HIAS+JCORE held a launch event in London, drawing over 50 supporters from the Jewish community and the refugee sector. The gathering featured addresses from prominent leaders, including Progressive Judaism co-CEO Rabbi Charley Baginsky, who articulated the broader ethical responsibilities of the Jewish community.
- March 13, 2026: The official start of Refugee Shabbat saw a variety of community events. In London, an architecture tour focusing on buildings designed by refugee and immigrant architects took place. Simultaneously, Temple Israel of Hollywood in Los Angeles began its observance with a dedicated service.
- March 14, 2026: Events continued with further community services and discussions. Finchley Progressive Synagogue (FPS) hosted its Refugee Shabbat services, featuring personal testimonies from former refugees.
- March 15, 2026: A tour of Willesden Jewish Cemetery, highlighting the lives of Jewish immigrants and refugees, was held, concluding the main weekend of observances.
Voices from the Community: Personal Stories and Enduring Values
The impact of Refugee Shabbat extends beyond organized events, resonating deeply through personal connections and shared narratives. At Finchley Progressive Synagogue (FPS), a deeply moving discussion took place between Lesley Urbach, whose mother and aunt fled Nazi Germany just before the outbreak of World War II, and Bahaa and Alaa Alibrahim, brothers who found refuge in London after fleeing Syria and were supported by FPS upon their arrival.
“Immigrants contribute to this country,” Lesley stated, drawing a parallel between historical and contemporary displacement. “Immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers can help develop this country, when given the opportunity.”
Bahaa echoed this sentiment, highlighting the often-unseen efforts of those seeking refuge. “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.” These personal testimonies underscore the human element of displacement and the resilience of individuals seeking a new beginning.
Rabbi Charley Baginsky of Progressive Judaism articulated a core principle guiding the initiative: “Jewish responsibility does not stop at our own community’s security. It also extends to the kind of society we help shape. One where the rule of law protects the vulnerable. One where refugees are not reduced to political symbols. One where faith communities work together to build something better.” This perspective emphasizes the proactive role faith communities play in advocating for a just and humane society.
Broader Implications and Analysis
The success of Refugee Shabbat 2026, particularly the significant increase in participation in the UK, suggests a growing segment of the Jewish diaspora actively seeking to translate their values into tangible action. In an era characterized by divisive political rhetoric and tightening borders, these observances serve as vital counter-narratives, promoting empathy, understanding, and concrete support for displaced populations.
The data from HIAS indicates a consistent growth in participation year over year, suggesting that Refugee Shabbat is becoming an established and anticipated event within Jewish communal calendars. This sustained engagement points to a deep-seated connection between Jewish identity and the imperative to aid those fleeing persecution. The event’s ability to mobilize diverse groups – from established synagogues to community activists and partner organizations – highlights its effectiveness as a platform for collective action.
The analysis of implications suggests that such initiatives play a crucial role in:
- Countering Xenophobia: By humanizing refugees and providing platforms for their stories, Refugee Shabbat directly challenges negative stereotypes and misinformation.
- Strengthening Community Bonds: The collaborative nature of these events fosters solidarity within the Jewish community and builds bridges with other faith and secular organizations working towards similar goals.
- Driving Advocacy: The educational components and calls to action embedded within Refugee Shabbat empower individuals to become informed advocates for refugee rights and supportive policies.
- Upholding Jewish Values: The observance serves as a living embodiment of core Jewish tenets, such as Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) and Pikuach Nefesh (the sanctity of life), demonstrating their contemporary relevance.
Rabbi David Mason, HIAS+JCORE’s Executive Director, summarized the sentiment driving the initiative: “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.”
As global displacement continues to be a defining challenge of our time, the consistent and expanding commitment demonstrated through HIAS’s Refugee Shabbat underscores the enduring power of collective action rooted in deeply held ethical principles. The event serves not only as a commemoration but as a vital catalyst for ongoing advocacy and support for those seeking safety and a chance to rebuild their lives.
A Call to Continued Action
Recognizing the ongoing needs of refugees and displaced people, HIAS continues to appeal for support. The organization emphasizes that now, more than ever, community involvement is crucial in assisting individuals and families as they navigate the complex process of rebuilding their lives in new environments. Donations and volunteer efforts are vital in sustaining the crucial work of providing sanctuary, legal aid, and integration support.
