First UK Synagogue of Sanctuary status awarded to Finchley Progressive Synagogue
Refugee support projects recognised as new national programme launches to celebrate Jewish communities welcoming asylum seekers
Finchley Progressive Synagogue has become the first congregation in the country to be awarded Synagogue of Sanctuary status, marking the launch of a new national initiative recognising Jewish communities that support refugees and people seeking asylum.
The award, created by HIAS+JCORE in partnership with City of Sanctuary UK, aims to highlight and encourage refugee inclusion work taking place across British communities.
Finchley Progressive Synagogue (FPS) was selected after a review process that examined its long-standing programmes, partnerships and campaigning work supporting refugees in north London and beyond.
Among the projects cited by judges were the synagogue’s Rainbow Lunch Club for LGBTQ+ people seeking asylum, which welcomes around 25 guests each month, and a recently established support group for men seeking asylum who are being housed in a local hotel. The group is led by a Syrian refugee who has been involved with the synagogue for a decade and helps participants navigate life in the UK and prepare for the future.
FPS has also played a leading role in campaigns to improve support for asylum seekers, including a lived-experience-led initiative calling for free bus travel. The synagogue has worked closely with Barnet Council, Citizens UK and a range of community organisations on refugee resettlement and integration projects.
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 the initiative reflected a commitment within the Jewish community to respond to displacement and persecution.
He 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 of Finchley Progressive Synagogue said the recognition reflected values deeply rooted in Jewish tradition.
“The Deuteronomy call to pursue justice is part of our DNA at FPS and has a central place in our Jewish practice and values,” she said. “We couldn’t be prouder of this award and long may this work continue.”
Tamara Joseph, the synagogue’s refugee projects co-ordinator, added: “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 of 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, chief officer of City of Sanctuary UK, 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.”
The new Synagogue of Sanctuary programme is expected to expand over the coming months, with HIAS+JCORE inviting other Jewish communities to apply and share expertise as part of a wider national network of organisations committed to supporting refugees.
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
