Since 1979, JFS has been assisting refugees fleeing violence and persecution — families desperate for safety, and parents determined to build a better future for their children.
In 2016, with more than 5 million Syrians displaced by a devastating civil war, JFS launched the Syrian Refugee Humanitarian Project, leading a coalition of 17+ partner organizations from area synagogues, Islamic centers, academic institutions, and the medical community. Powered by hundreds of volunteers and donors, JFS case managers resettled Syrian families in the MetroWest area.
Journalist Jenna Russell documented this effort in a three-part Boston Globe series:
- The Last Refugee: Through the Closing Door
- The Last Refugee: Threads of New Life
- The Last Refugee: Letting Go, Taking Hold
Among those featured was Abdulkader Hayani, a 29-year-old father of four. In 2012, Abdulkader and his wife fled Aleppo at the height of Syria’s civil war. After a long and harrowing journey, the Hayani family arrived at Boston Logan Airport on the evening of January 18, 2017. They were warmly welcomed by JFS staff and volunteers from Temple Beth Elohim, who guided them to their first American home.
The very next day, a new Federal administration took over, marking a turbulent time for refugees seeking hope in a new land.
The Globe series captured the Hayani family’s early steps toward building a new life. Abdulkader, trained from a young age as a tailor, leaned on his craft to support his family. Thanks to the dedicated volunteer team at Temple Beth Elohim, he secured a position at a local menswear factory, taking his first steps toward financial independence.
Today, history has come full circle. While the nation once again grapples with restrictive immigration policies under the current administration, Abdulkader’s journey tells a different story — one of progress, determination, and a bold new chapter as a business owner.
In April 2025, eight years after arriving with little more than hope and determination, Abdulkader opened Hayani Tailor: Alterations and More in Natick, MA. Wearing an impeccably tailored suit — a testament to his skill — Abdulkader welcomed a crowd of supporters eager to celebrate this milestone. His wife, Asmaa, offered an abundant spread of Syrian delicacies, embodying the warmth and grace that have characterized their family’s journey.
The Hayani family’s story is a living testament to the American Dream. From starting anew with virtually nothing, to becoming proud, contributing members of their community, their journey reminds us all of the resilience and potential that immigrants bring to our country.
Newcomers like the Hayanis infuse our economy with energy, talent, and diversity, enriching the very fabric of our society.
Congratulations to Abdulkader, Asmaa, and their family on this remarkable achievement — and cheers to the many successes that lie ahead!
Find more information about the Hayani Tailor shop at HayaniTailor.com.
