JFS Syrian Refugee Humanitarian Project
In 2016, when over 5 million refugees had already fled Syria, JFS responded to the crisis by leading the JFS Syrian Refugee Humanitarian Project, a coalition of 17+ partner organizations from area synagogues, Islamic centers, academia, and the medical community. With the support of hundreds of volunteers and donors, JFS case managers resettled families from Syria in the Metrowest area and continues to help them overcome the challenges New Americans face when building a life in the United States.
These families are on the path to self-sufficiency and JFS will resolutely stand by these young victims of the Syrian war, every step of the way.
Follow the story of the JFS Syrian Refugee Humanitarian Project:
The Last Refugee, Through the closing door
by Jenna Russell, The Boston Globe
The Last Refugee, Threads of new life
by Jenna Russell, The Boston Globe
The Last Refugee, Letting go, taking hold
by Jenna Russell, The Boston Globe
- JFS and MFA Mobilize Boston to Provide Critical Supplies to Refugees in Syria
- The Big Picture, Yearning to breathe free Photography by Suzanne Kreiter/Globe Staff
- JFS Team Leaders to Receive 2017 Sharp Rescuer Prize for JFS Syrian Refugee Humanitarian Project
- JFS Syrian Refugee Humanitarian Project Featured in The Fenway News May 2017
- The Boston Globe Follows the Work of JFS of Metrowest in Resettling Refugee Families from Syria, Boston Globe March 23, 2017
- JFS Metrowest Leads the Way in Resettling Syrian Refugees, JewishBoston.com February 12, 2017
- Communal Joint Statement on Immigration and Refugees, JCRC January 2017
- Heartbreak and anger follow Trump’s immigration order, Boston Globe January 28, 2017
- Local temples, agencies, resettling Syrian refugees, Jewish Advocate December 9, 2016
Program Videos
JFS Addresses the Housing Crisis – Collaborative Housing Solutions that Build Thriving Communities
Click to learn how you can get involved.
Through the Power of Volunteerism, JFS is Changing the Lives of Refugees Seeking Safety in Our Community
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Through the Power of Collaborative Partnerships JFS Changes the Lives of Immigrants in Our Community
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Program News
Bridging Math, History, and Humanity: JFS on a Panel at Beaver Country Day
Recently, JFS' Senior Director of Innovation and Community Engagement Adam Smith and Housing Specialist Amira Elamri had the privilege of serving on a panel at Beaver Country Day School with Jeffrey Thielman, CEO of the International Institute of New England (IINE)....
Reserve your tickets for Seize the Dream 2025!
You are cordially invited to attend the 35th annual Seize the Dream Celebration to be held on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, 6PM at the Westin Waltham Boston. Join us as we celebrate this year's honorees: Debbie Gotbetter and the Leadership Team of Temple Beth Elohim’s...
Standing with the Most Vulnerable: Join Us for HIAS’ Seventh Annual Refugee Shabbat
Visit Visit HIAS.org to learn how you can participate in the 7th Annual Refugee Shabbat. For 45 years, JFS has stood alongside the most vulnerable members of our community, embodying our core value of Welcoming the Stranger. As part of this commitment, we are proud to...