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
Welcoming the Stranger: JFS and Community Partners Bring Hope to Refugees – Changing Lives Together
Learn how partnering with JFS can make a meaningful and powerful difference in the lives of people who need help the most.
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
Click to learn how you can get involved.
Program News
ICYMI- February 2025 Report to the Community eNewsletter- Sign Up Today!
CIick to read the February 2026 eNewsletter In Case You Missed It: Read the February 2026 JFS Report to the Community, featuring a timely message from CEO Lino Covarrubias on supporting immigrant families and older adults, Black History Month and Ramadan reflections,...
Statement on New Federal Directive Authorizing Arrest and Detention of Refugees
February 20, 2026 Framingham, Massachusetts ### Jewish Family Service of Metrowest (JFS) is deeply alarmed by the newly disclosed federal directive authorizing the arrest and detention of refugees who have been lawfully admitted to the United States but have not yet...
A Call to Action – How You Can Help Immigrants in Our Community – Right Now
DONATE NOW | GET INVOLVED TODAY JFS of Metrowest is committed to standing with the immigrant community across our region. As part of this commitment, JFS convenes the Metrowest Immigrant Support Group — a coalition of local nonprofits, faith organizations, and...