WHC Earns HIAS Award

We are thrilled to share that our congregation has been honored with the HIAS Pathways Leadership Award in recognition of our ongoing commitment to helping refugees, asylum seekers, and other forcibly displaced people. At a time when the Jewish community and the world face tremendous challenges, our congregation’s dedication to welcoming the stranger shines brightly as a beacon of hope.

This past year has been incredibly difficult for the Jewish people, but we’ve remained unwavering in our pursuit of justice and compassion. With over 120 million people worldwide fleeing persecution and violence, the need to live out the Torah’s call to welcome the stranger has never been more urgent. Our community’s work is a powerful expression of Jewish values, reminding the world what it means to stand for justice, empathy, and human dignity.

Looking ahead, HIAS continues to offer resources to deepen our efforts in supporting refugees and asylum seekers:

• HIAS B Mitzvah Project Toolkit: This new resource provides a step-by-step guide to completing a HIAS-certified project. If your family or student is interested, reach out to Madeline Ravich for more details.
• Refugee Shabbat: If it’s not already on your calendar, we encourage you to join this meaningful observance in the spring on a date that works for our community.
• Private Refugee Sponsorship with Welcome Corps: For the first time in four decades, Americans can privately sponsor refugees. HIAS offers full support for those interested in becoming sponsors.

Even in the face of overwhelming darkness, we remain a people defined by relentless hope. As we celebrate this recognition, let us also renew our commitment to building a world filled with peace, security, and compassion for all people.

Thank you for embodying the values that make our congregation so special. We look forward to continuing this important work together in the year ahead.

Ffor more information on HIAS and the work they do, visit their website hias.org.

---