JCRC Statement
May 24, 2022
Washington DC— May 16, 2022 – The Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of Greater Washington is pleased to announce that it has been awarded grants from the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington (JFGW), the Shapiro Foundation, and the Welcome US Fund, to coordinate and expand Jewish engagement in the local resettlement of Afghan newcomers.
JFGW has allocated $25,000 to the JCRC for cash grants to local synagogues and Jewish agencies engaged in such efforts; a portion of the Shapiro Foundation grant has been similarly earmarked. JCRC will distribute grants of between $1000 and $2500 per synagogue/agency to support Afghan resettlement work. Additional information about this grant opportunity is available HERE.
The remaining funds are underwriting a dedicated staff person to work with synagogues, other Jewish agencies, interfaith partners, and county and state officials on a range of issues related to resettlement of Afghan families and individuals in the greater Washington, D.C. region.
“We are deeply grateful to JFGW, the Shapiro Foundation, and Welcome US Fund for recognizing and supporting our local Jewish community’s extensive engagement in the resettlement of Afghan families and individuals in our region,” said JCRC Associate Director Guila Franklin Siegel.”
“American Jews know all too well the challenges experienced by refugees and immigrants fleeing difficult situations who need to acclimate to a new, foreign culture,” continued Franklin Siegel. “We also know that resettling refugees is a long-term process, one that continues long after public attention has moved on to other crises. These grants will enable the JCRC to support our synagogues’ sustained commitment to this sacred work over the next year.”