Lab/Shul Friends
A sad note to share with our community – but one we share with resolve and optimism.
It’s likely that by now you’ve heard or read the terrible news from Lesvos: Arson suspected in Lesvos fire that burned down the School of Peace.
On the heels of weeks of anti-refugee violence on the ever-more crowded Greek islands – our beloved school and some of the buildings at the One Happy Family Community Center went up in flames on Saturday. With the immense gratitude and relief that there was no loss of life comes the heartbreak of other losses, of rage, of the urge to give up, and the stronger drive to keep on building and dreaming, for the sake of so many families, and for this powerful vision of peace.
We are awaiting more info from our partners on the ground, and will share immediately with you, so that we may all join in the efforts to raise funds and spirits for the next phase of the International School of Peace.
Meanwhile, you can support the school directly by making a Tax-free donation to ISOP now.
Please also note that on March 20 we will mark HIAS National Refugee Shabbat at our monthly Monthly Sabbath Queen in Chinatown with a special focused program on the School for Peace, and updates on our Refugee Task Force trip to Lesvos this summer. Due to Coronavirus this shabbat will likely be a virtual shabbat, but nevertheless an opportunity to come together and commit to better lives – for all.
Be healthy, be hopeful, be here,
Rabbi Amichai & The Refugee Task Force Leadership
