| Jewish Family Service of Greater Harrisburg is pleased to announce that we have officially been approved by the US State Department as a temporary Afghan refugee resettlement site. We are joining 17 other Jewish Family Service agencies across the country who are also engaged in resettlement efforts. JFS is working in close partnership with HIAS (Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society) and with the Pennsylvania Refugee Resettlement Program and the PA Department of Health and State Refugee Health Coordinator. Our area synagogues and Jewish organizations are aware of this initiative and we will work closely with these partners to coordinate efforts to best serve this very vulnerable population. |
Governor Wolf Speaks
Currently, over 50,000 Afghan evacuees are temporarily housed on US army bases awaiting resettlement. Governor Wolf has pledged that Pennsylvania will welcome Afghan Refugees, sharing that “PA is in contact with federal and local partners to coordinate resources to resettle Afghan refugees seeking safety from violence. Our commonwealth has long served as a refuge for those seeking peace and stability amid crisis, and we will continue to help in any way possible.”
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has a rigorous 14-step process to vet each individual entering the country and each refugee has received all necessary vaccinations including for COVID-19 prior to arrival in the United States.
Kindness to Strangers
In no fewer than 36 different verses does the Torah remind the Jewish people to be kind to strangers because we were strangers and aliens in a foreign land, and we hope to have the opportunity of carrying on our tradition through these resettlement efforts.
Volunteer
If you are interested in serving as a volunteer, we ask that you fill out this volunteer form.
Donate
While we will soon be sharing more specific information on ways you can financially support these refugees, a portion of any gift made to JFS will allow us to set aside funds to provide for the significant financial expenses that will be incurred by the agency. Feel free to donate here.
Please stay safe and healthy and know that JFS is here to serve your needs and the needs of our community.
Warmly,
Steven Schauder
Executive Director
We Are Hiring! Are you interested in joining a team of change makers and life savers? Click here to see opportunities at JFS of Greater Harrisburg. Resumes and letters of intent should be sent to Chudney Lewis at [email protected]
