More than 50 MPs, Peers, and leaders from the Jewish community and refugee sector joined HIAS+JCORE in central London last Thursday (12 March 2026) for a special event launching Refugee Shabbat 2026.
The project – which brings Jewish individuals, communities, and partner organisations together across the globe to stand with refugees – was established by HIAS in 2018 and has been run in the UK for the past five years.
A record 66 organisations are participating in England and Scotland in 2026 – more than double the number involved last year.
Against a backdrop of increased hostility towards displaced people, and rising societal division and polarisation, Refugee Shabbat’s message of solidarity and welcome is more important than ever.
The audience first heard an important message from the Chief Rabbi, Sir Ephraim Mirvis KBE.
When it comes to the plight of refugees, we readily empathise with them because we as Jewish people have known what it is like to be a refugee... we have the imperative indeed to reach out and to do whatever we can for the sake of refugees.Chief Rabbi, Sir Ephraim Mirvis KBE
Next to speak was Progressive Judaism co-CEO Rabbi Charley Baginsky. In a powerful address, she stated that “Jewish responsibility does not stop at our own community’s security. It also extends to the kind of society we help shape. One where the rule of law protects the vulnerable. One where refugees are not reduced to political symbols. One where faith communities work together to build something better.”
HIAS+JCORE’s Executive Director, Rabbi David Mason, then welcomed The Rt Revd Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani, Bishop of Chelmsford. Bishop Guli, who a longstanding advocate for refugee rights, stated that she was “inspired” by the Refugee Shabbat concept. Reflecting on the current UK political context, she then added that “the combination of recent government policies, together with the unhelpful rhetoric of the far-right” presents serious challenges, making work supporting refugees “together in solidarity and partnership” more important than ever.
The Rt Revd Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani powerfully shared her own experiences, and need to stand together for refugees today. (Photo credit: Jennie van den Boogaard/HIAS).
The audience also heard about practical efforts to show welcome to refugees.
First, Samantha Lewkowicz, Social Action & Holocaust Education Sabbatical Officer at UJS, spoke about how “passionate and engaged students” are taking action through HIAS+JCORE and UJS’ Student Refugee Ambassador Programme – a project empowering the next generation of Jewish activists.
Transformative work from HIAS+JCORE’s JUMP befriending project was also shared. The programme supports young refugees and asylum seekers – who are living on their own in the UK – to overcome barriers, build skills and confidence, and integrate into their new lives here. JUMP befriender Ben explained how the project has allowed the young person he befriends to “have this one constant in his life, one person that he can always call, always message, and really trusts.”
The event closed with remarks from Rachel Blake MP, whose constituency hosted the evening. She stated that “understanding the powerful role that… welcoming refugees has made to London, but also that friendship can make to both public policy making and to individual lives is something I will be taking away from this evening.”
Speaking after the event, Yael Peleg, HIAS+JCORE’s Community Engagement Director, said: “It is truly remarkable to have this many communities taking part in Refugee Shabbat this year. There is so much inspiring work being done across the Jewish community to welcome refugees, and Refugee Shabbat 2026 is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate it.”
Rabbi David Mason, HIAS+JCORE’s Executive Director, also added: “There is no doubt that we’re living in a difficult period. The rise of the populist and far-right and anti-migrant sentiment is incredibly worrying. But this Refugee Shabbat is a message of hope and a loud statement from the Jewish community that we are with refugees. Together, our values of compassion and solidarity are so much stronger than hate and division.”
