The TBZ Immigration/Refugee Resettlement Action Group works to engage with and support several immigration initiatives in the greater Boston area. This includes:
- The Newton-Brookline Asylum Resettlement Committee (NBARC) is an inter-faith group of congregants from Boston-area synagogues and churches that helps resettle local asylum seekers. Activities include providing housing, English language and job training skills, and other needs during the time clients are awaiting their work authorization and court dates. One TBZ member sits on the committee, and several TBZ members serve as volunteers.
- HIAS Welcome to Congress Campaign – An initiative that began shortly after the new 2021 Congress was elected. HIAS is creating ways for synagogue leaders from around the country to meet with local congressional leaders to encourage them to focus on pro-immigration legislation. In May 2021, TBZ partnered with Temple Sinai to meet with Congressional Representative Jake Auchincloss to discuss pro-immigrant legislation and encourage his support on future bills put before him. We look forward to a continued relationship with him and other leaders from our district where immigrant, refugee and asylum seekers’ rights are concerned.
We are always looking for TBZ members to join us in this critical and rewarding work. If you are interested in volunteering, contact tikkunolam@tbzbrookline.org.
