Rabbi Samuel Kaye: Refugee Family Update

An update on Holy Blossom Temple’s most recently sponsored refugee family.

Shortly before the High Holidays, we received word that a newly arrived family of refugees from Afghanistan would need our help. Immediately the wonderful volunteers of Holy Blossom Temple sprung into action, donating gently used clothing, furniture, appliances, toys and bedding.

From their sponsor:

Many congregants beyond our Welcome Circle members stepped forward over the last 2 weeks to donate goods and clothing…their can opener, cabinet, set of sheets, used toys, etc. didn’t just fill a practical need. Each item has helped to create a home where parents watch their 3-year-old play safely with his own toys on his own floor in their own home, for the first time since he was an infant.

The new baby will arrive anytime and there are still many hurdles ahead. But, for today, they feel secure and brimming with possibilities. They are thankful on this first Canadian Thanksgiving to all those who have helped them.

Thanks for helping us bridge this family to the broader community.

We are so proud of our Holy Blossom Temple community for fulfilling the words and essence of our Torah- to care for the stranger, for once we were the strangers. While the initial need to set up an apartment has passed, donations of specific clothing items and assistance in finding gainful employment are still appreciated.

Please be in touch with Jacque Friedland ([email protected]) and Rabbi Kaye ([email protected]) to learn how you can continue our ongoing involvement in supporting refugee families.

Additionally, come into Holy Blossom Temple and see the Jewish Immigrant Aid Societies exhibit in our Garson/Baskin Gallery, located on the second floor of the atrium. This year Holy Blossom Temple is celebrating 100 years of partnership with JIAS, sponsoring and resettling newcomers to Canada.

“Canadians are born all over the world, it just sometimes takes them a bit of time to get here.”  Wayne Potoroka, Mayor of Dawson City, Yukon.