(L-R) Rabbi David Mason (HIAS+JCORE), Councillor Alison Moore, Farida Stanikzai (New Citizens Gateway), Councillor Gill Sargeant, Alaa Alibrahim (New Citizens Gateway), Councillor Charli Thompson, Foujon Naini (Persian Advice Bureau), Mayoress of Barnet Aliyah Sapsard, Mayor of Barnet Councillor Zahra Beg, Anne Clarke AM, Tamara Joseph (Finchley Progressive Synagogue), Fariba Nassiri (Yaran Club), Rabbi Rebecca Birk (Finchley Progressive Synagogue) and Emma Prinsley (Finchley Progressive Synagogue) celebrate the news
Finchley Progressive Synagogue (FPS) has been awarded the UK’s first Synagogue of Sanctuary status by Jewish refugee support charity HIAS+JCORE.
This prestigious new award – developed in partnership with City of Sanctuary UK – celebrates Jewish communities who are fostering a culture of welcome and inclusion for all.
Finchley Progressive Synagogue has long worked to support refugees and people seeking asylum. The synagogue’s application evidenced a remarkable array of activity, ranging from leading successful co-created campaigns to delivering several empowering practical support projects. The judging panel was particularly impressed by the level and depth of partnership displayed, including work with Citizens UK, City St George’s University, New Citizens Gateway and the Persian Advice Bureau, alongside local MPs and the London Mayor.
Current projects delivered by FPS include:
- The Rainbow Lunch Club for LGBTQI+ people seeking asylum, which offers a safe, welcoming space to 25 guests each month. The programme distributes warm, nutritious food, provides access to a food and toiletries bank and offers signposting to specialist support services.
- A recently launched men’s group for people seeking asylum housed in a local hotel, run by a Syrian refugee who has been involved with the synagogue’s work for a decade. The group provides wrap-around social and cultural orientation support, helping prepare participants for their next steps after receiving status.
- An ongoing lived-experience-led London-wide campaign to secure free bus travel for people seeking asylum.
Rabbi Rebecca Birk with Mayor of Barnet Councillor Zahra Beg and Rabbi David Mason at FPS
The synagogue has also worked extensively with the local council in Barnet and long supported efforts to resettle and integrate refugees in the borough. This has included partnering with Citizens UK to provide a matching service for Barnet-based Homes for Ukraine hosts. FPS played a central role in Barnet Council’s successful application for Borough of Sanctuary Status and are ongoing participants in the Council’s Borough of Sanctuary Network.
The awards celebrate the incredible work being done by British Jews to support refugees. Recognised groups will join a nationwide movement of welcome alongside institutions varying from local authorities, schools, libraries and universities.
Participating communities will be supported and offered opportunities to share, learn and build expertise. Nominations will reflect the variety of work being delivered across the Jewish community to show solidarity with refugees.
Interested communities can visit HIAS+JCORE’s website to learn more about the registration and application process.
Yael Peleg, Community Engagement Director at HIAS+JCORE, said: “It’s an honour to recognise Finchley Progressive Synagogue’s outstanding work – we are so proud that they have joined us as the UK’s first Synagogue of Sanctuary. Across the Jewish community, there are so many incredible projects being run with and for refugees and this award will play a vital role in building expertise and recognition. I would encourage any interested synagogue to join our movement: it is more important than ever that we stand together to welcome refugees.”
Rabbi David Mason, Executive Director at HIAS+JCORE, said: “At a time of deepening division, the work of partners like Finchley Progressive Synagogue gives me so much hope. Rising antisemitism could tempt us to put up walls and retreat inward, but I’m proud that so many across the Jewish community continue to boldly put their values into action. Together we can ensure a compassionate, outward-looking Jewish identity continues to play its part in our wider society.”
Rabbi Rebecca Birk, Rabbi at Finchley Progressive Synagogue, said: “The Deuteronomy call to pursue justice is part of our DNA at FPS and has a central place in our Jewish practice and values. We couldn’t be prouder of this award and long may this work continue.”
Tamara Joseph, Refugee Projects Co-ordinator at Finchley Progressive Synagogue, said: “Our work with refugees has deepened over the years. Welcoming the stranger is no longer just what we do at FPS, it’s who we are. It’s been such a privilege to work with so many remarkable people from across the world. We’ve learned so much and it has been so fulfilling and joyful. I’m very proud of the work we’ve done and it’s wonderful to see it recognised.”
Rabbi Josh Levy and Rabbi Charley Baginsky, Co-Leads, The Movement for Progressive Judaism, said: “We are incredibly proud of Finchley Progressive Synagogue for being recognised as the UK’s first Synagogue of Sanctuary. Their work exemplifies what we see across Progressive communities in the UK and Ireland, turning our Jewish values and principles into action through sustained, practical support for refugees and people seeking asylum.”
Siân Summers-Rees, City of Sanctuary UK Chief Officer, said: “We are delighted to have developed this partnership with HIAS+JCORE and to be awarding the first Synagogue of Sanctuary. At a time when division can so easily take centre stage, it is especially powerful to celebrate spaces and communities that bring people together. To formally welcome the first synagogue into our movement of welcome and sanctuary has been truly inspiring.”
Cllr Nagus Narenthira, Barnet Council Cabinet member for Equalities, Poverty Reduction and the Voluntary and Community Sector, said: “Barnet is a designated Borough of Sanctuary and proud home of the UK’s largest Jewish population, so it is apt that Finchley Progressive Synagogue (FPS) is named as the country’s first Synagogue of Sanctuary. Barnet is committed to welcoming and supporting refugees, asylum seekers and migrants of all faiths and backgrounds. We look forward to working closely with our partners in FPS to support each other, drawing our strength from our diversity, offering hope in the face of hate and to embrace those making a new home among our community.”