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Welcome the Stranger. Protect the Refugee

04/08/2016 12:12:18 PM

Apr8

This Spring Bnai Keshet is welcoming the Al Radi family with an embrace of friendship and support. Fadel, Mariam, and their four children: Ibrahem (13), Radi (12), Mohammad (7), and Thaor (4) fled terrible violence in Syria only to face persecution in Jordan, where they languished for three years in distress. They arrived in New Jersey last summer and we have an opportunity to ease their transition as they build a new life. 
 
The International Rescue Committee has secured housing, schooling, federal benefits, health insurance and medical attention for the family. Bnai Keshet will help the family feel welcome and provide moral, social and material support as necessary as they establish themselves in the U.S.
 
Most immediately, BK congregants Melina Macall and Kate McCaffrey are launching a GoFundMe campaign to raise $7000 in just 7 days to cover the family's airfare from Jordan to the U.S. “We were appalled to learn that this family, who has lost everything, is burdened with covering its transportation cost to the U.S. We discovered that the U.S. and Australia are the only countries in the world to charge refugees for their own transportation,” said Kate.
 
“They are the loveliest people who just want a decent life for their family. Relieving them of this huge debt will help keep them on course to do so. If every family donates just $72 and every child in our Bet Midrash raises $7 from 7 different people we can do this. Our small donations will have an enormous impact,” said Melina.
 
Through the year we will be organizing other programming to introduce the Al Radis to some of the boys of American life. From a softball potluck picnic to apple picking, volunteers are needed to organize and help. Please contact Melina Macall or Kate McCaffrey if you are interested in helping.
 
On April 16th we will welcome the Al Radi family to Shabbat services. A partner from the Islamic Center of Passaic County, Khalid Bendriss, will assist with translation. The Al Radis will return with Khalid and his family to BK for our community Seder on April 23. Please join us in extending a hand of welcome to the Al Radi family.
 
Thu, March 28 2024 18 Adar II 5784