Helping refugees on Mitzvah Day

An old Jewish saying says, “Old minds have the to create history, and young minds have the power to change history”. A few days ago on Mitzvah Day I saw how true that saying is.

Falling on a Sunday in November each year, Mitzvah Day is a day when Jewish people come together to give their time and effort to social action and community. This year the children (and parents) of Brondesbury Park Synagogue in north-west London came together to support local refugees and asylum seekers.

They collected toiletries and gifts at our local Sainsbury’s throughout the day, and people were extremely generous. Other children baked cakes and goodies which they placed into handmade decorated gift boxes. Many made cards as well.

That evening they visited one of our local hotels with the gifts, toiletries and clothing and distributed them to all the refugee families.

The energy of the Brondesbury Park kids was uplifting, the cakes and decorated boxes were beautiful, and the gifts and toiletries were very much appreciated.

But, for the refugees and asylum seekers in the hotel, the most wonderful thing was the fact that these young, energetic people brought their energy, enthusiasm and light into the hotel. That they made them feel visible and welcome.

Any refugee family we support, has fled their country for the sake of their children’s lives. How lovely to be embraced and welcomed by children who have such respect for their future.

Thank you.