Washington Synagogue Becomes Haven For Refugees

Temple Beth Hatfiloh

By JTA August 30, 2018

(JTA) — A synagogue in Olympia, Washington has become a haven for refugees.

Temple Beth Hatfiloh, a Reconstructionist congregation with some 175 member families, announced on Wednesday evening that it has become a sanctuary congregation, working in conjunction with other regional faith communities and immigrant rights organizations.

“In support of immigrant rights, the congregation pledges to participate in actions up to and including physical sanctuary,” the synagogue said in an announcement.

The synagogue’s rabbi, Seth Goldstein, said at an opening event on Wednesday evening that his congregation had been working on the plan for months.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials have detained more 1,600 undocumented immigrants in Washington State, local news station KIRO 7 reported.

Alyssa Fisher is a news writer at the Forward. Email her at fisher@forward.com

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