Welcoming Refugees

We are stronger when all are welcome and given opportunities to thrive. 

‘Healing the World’ means that we are not only responsible for the well-being of the Jewish community, but are responsible for the welfare of society at large. For us social justice is rooted in the Jewish commandment to remember the experience of slavery and the Exodus from Egypt. From this we believe that “we are all harmed by oppression directed at any group or individual.”

JFS resettles refugees fleeing their homelands in partnership with HIAS (formerly the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society) and the State Department.  In the past five years JFS resettled over 2,000 refugees and humanitarian arrivals from around the world to Western Mass– their new home. Well before a family’s arrival, staff secure housing, furniture, and household items for new families. We then provide comprehensive support, including support for school-aged children, comprehensive employment services, and help navigating their new community. JFS continues to serve New Americans long after initial resettlement — for up to five years and beyond in many cases.

 

 

You can help us with healing the world. Call 413-737-2601 or email info@jfswm.org.

View JFS 2023 Impact Report

“In life, the moment you cease to have goals and hopes is the moment your life ends.” –Yasmin Ahmed, JFS staff, New American from Somalia