The Jewish Council for Racial Equality is urging communities to consider the plight of refugees and destitute asylum seekers. As a synagogue founded by refugees here at Belsize Square this is a cause that is particularly relevant to us.
Currently Belsize Square collects clothing for the New London Synagogue Drop in Centre and sells gift cards with proceeds donated to World Jewish Relief’s Refugee Appeal. To volunteer sorting clothes please contact Claire Walford on claire.walford@yahoo.com
In addition the following local synagogues have regular drop-In sessions for Destitute Asylum Seekers and Refugees. If you can go along to offer help on a Sunday afternoon or wish to donate clothing or food please contact the group directly and let them know.
| Name of Project | Where and when it meets | What help do they need? | Who to contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refugee Drop-In (New London Synagogue) | First Sunday of every month at: Archer Academy, Eagans Close, London, N2 8GA | 150 Asylum seekers attend each month. They need volunteers to help with setting up and helping at the drop in centre. Donations of clothes, food and toiletries are also needed. | Sam Leifer and/or Nat Hildebrand on: thenlsdropin@gmail.com |
| Drop-In Centre for Destitute Asylum Seekers (New North London Synagogue) | First Sunday of every month at: Martin Primary School, Plane Tree Walk, East Finchley | 90 volunteers needed each month to offer a friendly welcome, serve food, distribute clothing, etc. Clothing in labelled bags and cooked food: rice, pasta, potatoes, vegetable and bean dishes, as well as salads, hard-boiled eggs and fruit needed. Any finger-food - sandwiches or falafel - would also be great. | To volunteer please email us at: Dropin@nnls-masorti.org.uk |
| Refugee Drop-In (Alyth) | Last Sunday of each month at Alyth | Friendship, food, (generously prepared and donated by volunteers), advice on accessing services, courses for study, grants, CV writing, interview skills, form filling and the opportunity to practice English. | 020 8455 6763 Or mail@alyth.org.uk |
| WLS Drop-In Centre (West London Synagogue) | On third Sunday of each month, 2.30 - 4.30 pm at WLS | We provide a hot meal, grocery vouchers, clothing, companionship and advice for parents and children who have fled life-threatening violence or persecution in the countries they are from. We count on volunteers to provide a warm welcome to people who are commonly shunned as a consequence of the popular misconception that they are here by choice. Help needed: donating nappies, basmati rice and clothing (in good, wearable condition). We are there to support each other as much as to assist the mothers, fathers and children who come for our help. | dropin@wls.org.uk |
| LJS Drop-In (Liberal Jewish Synagogue) | On second Sunday of each month near LJS | Good quality clothing – especially children’s (regular and school uniform). Nappies and an informal selection of tinned food are made available to those who need them. A hot meal is also provided. | Contact Rita Adler on a month-by-month basis to find out what is needed. Email: rita@studio5.plus.com |
| The Separated Child Foundation | Arrival packs, sleep packs, social, cultural and education programmes. | Angela Gluck 020 8933 4588 www.separatedchild.org |