Immigrant Rights Through a Jewish Lens

If you have been wondering how to get involved in the Afghan refugee effort but have not figured out how yet, we have the best news!

WJC has joined ICNAW, the Interfaith Council for New Americans in Westchester, to co-sponsor the resettlement of new refugee families. ICNAW supports refugee families for 12-18 months, both financially and in their efforts to successfully integrate into a new community. The group receives families directly from HIAS, a Jewish American nonprofit organization that provides humanitarian aid and assistance to refugees and has been since World War II.

Afghan refugee families are arriving in Westchester, and we can get involved in the hands-on work!

From assisting a new family in areas such as finding suitable housing and employment, obtaining necessary furnishings and dishware, registering family members for training or schools, tutoring children or adults in English, providing transportation to and from medical and governmental appointments, and introducing them to cultural activities in the local area, there is much to be done and truly be a part of changing these people’s lives. 

Teens, ages 14 and up, are also welcome to volunteer for outdoor activities and homework help.

We want as many WJC’ers as possible to get involved, so please read everything below and sign up to work with us!

This work will change lives and is truly tikun olam.

Want to join the effort?

1. Want to help WJC welcome the stranger? Contact Cheryl Brause at cherylbrause@me.com or Holly Rosen Fink at holly@pivotintmedia.com for more information.
2. We are looking for donations to support incoming Afghan families and individuals. ICNAW is not a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, i.e., donations are not tax-deductible. However, 100% percent of funds collected go toward refugee families.  Please make checks payable to ICNAW and write “WJC Refugee Fundraiser” in the memo section. Then mail or drop off your check in an envelope to WJC to the attention of SOJAC at 175 Rockland Ave, Mamaroneck, NY10543.
3. Join us for a special fundraiser for WJC’s resettlement efforts on Sunday, December 12th. That day, you will be able to purchase delicious Kosher Afghan food “to go” prepared by an Afghan refugee (an excellent caterer) along with WJC member and expert cook Herb Leventer.

The food will be available for pick up at a table in front of WJC that afternoon from 4-5:30 pm.. Then you will be able to enjoy delicious Afghan cuisine during a live virtual event that evening from 6 – 7 pm. The live discussion will feature Afghan refugees who came to America in the past few years and the volunteers who resettled them. We will listen, engage, and enjoy their many shared experiences while gearing up for our own unique experience of resettling a new family. The suggested donation for this fundraiser is $50 per person. Any additional donations for this cause are welcome anytime. Please RSVP by SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5th, order your meals and get more details here: https://forms.gle/rs3rL2mqTGepKSme7.