The power of words: young people write messages of support to refugees - The Jewish Chronicle

Young British Jews have written messages of support to refugees and asylum seekers in the wake of last week’s far-right riots outside mosques and against police.

The idea of the messages came about during a meeting between young people aged between 11 and 15 on RSY-Netzer’s pre-summer camp, and Amos Schonfield, the deputy director of HIAS + JCORE, the UK Jewish community’s refugee and asylum seeker support charity.

A message for refugees and asylum seekers from RSY-Netzer youth (Photo:HIAS+JCORE)[Missing Credit]

RSY-Netzer movement worker Jack Frohlich said they had discussed “the different ways of being an ally to minority groups, as a minority ourselves. We ended the sessions by writing notes of support to asylum seekers and refugees at a time where they are being specifically targeted.”

Approximately 60 messages were written in total, many of which were posted on the HIAS + JCORE website and Instagram page.

Heartfelt words from the students included: “Stay strong, you are worthy of love, a home and happiness, and you deserve all of these things.”

[Missing Credit]

One person wrote: “Welcome to England! I know the weather sucks but we’re actually nice people who are here for you in your times of trouble. When the going gets tough, the tough gets going, and never forget that! You will find a home here and I hope you have a successful life,” signed off by “your Jewish friend”.

Another wrote: “You are not alone. As a Jew I know how easy it is for minority groups to be scapegoated. You are loved, valued and respected, and always welcome in the UK. Don’t let the haters get you down.”

HIAS + JCORE works with about 50 refugees and asylum seekers at any one time on a rolling basis, plus an alumni support programme.

Rabbi David Mason, executive director of the charity, told the JC that the messages of support were shared with the refugees they work with, many of whom were “very distressed” after seeing videos of the attacks throughout the UK last week.

A message for refugees and asylum seekers from RSY-Netzer youth (Photo:HIAS+JCORE)[Missing Credit]

He said: “Some [asylum seekers] have told us they’re worried at the moment of walking down the street. The attacks have reminded some of them of the violent situations they escaped from.”

The messages of support resulted in a number of very positive responses from refugees. “They really felt the extra love, they were uplifted, full of gratitude and thanks,” Rabbi Mason said.

In the meantime, several Jewish religious leaders, communal heads and synagogue members have joined interfaith initiatives in a show of solidarity with those being targeted by far-right violence.

Challah being donated to a local mosque (Photo: Progressive Judaism)[Missing Credit]

Rabbi Adrian Schell led a contingent from Wimbledon Synagogue in south-west London at an interfaith peace vigil at Southfields Station, where he joined members of Christian, Jewish, Muslim, and Baha’í communities.

Other Progressive communities which have reached out to local Muslim groups include South Bucks, Makor Hayim, East Sussex, Brighton and Hove and Birmingham.

Click here to see more messages from RSY-Netzer to refugees and asylum seekers

Topics:

HIAS+JCORE

Refugees and asylum seekers

RSY-Netzer