Har Shalom Afghan Refugee Support Team

GIFT CARDS: Many thanks to those of you who have responded so generously to the email we sent on September 2 by contributing to the specially designated Har Shalom fund that will be used to purchase gift cards from Target, Walmart or Giant Food per your preference and by bringing previously purchased gift cards placed in marked boxes near entrances to the various Har Shalom Rosh Hashanah service locations. The need remains great and in response our committee strongly encourages all Har Shalom members to either click HERE to purchase gift cards for incoming Afghan refugees or to purchase gift cards directly and bringing them to Yom Kippur services where you will be able to place them in designated boxes.  

CASH DONATIONS: To fulfill the mitzvah of welcoming the stranger, the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington is supporting the Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area to ensure our new neighbors are connected with housing, employment, transportation, food, and acculturation. Please click HERE  to give generously to The Jewish Federation’s Afghan Resettlement Fund today.

WELCOME HOME GIFT BOXES: Many of you have already expressed interest by making inquiries about putting together and donating welcome home gift boxes. This mitzvah is a great way to show your support for Afghan refugees resettling in the DC area. As mentioned in our prior email, we are collecting and assembling gift boxes in the Har shalom parking lot on Sunday, September 26, from 11 – 2 pm. On this Sunday, please bring either a complete box (defined below) or individual items to Har Shalom. (To make arrangements for an earlier drop off, contact Toby Holtzman at 202-360-7140.)  All items must be NEW. 

Suggestions of needed items can be found below:

• Kitchen Supply Box: set of large pots with lids, set of large frying pans (at least one 12”), mixing/serving bowl set (including one large), set of kitchen utensils (spatula, serving utensils), wooden spoon set, set of clear baking dishes, set of knives (bread, paring, chef, serrated), can opener
• Kitchen Tableware Box: Flatware (knives, spoons, forks – set of six), kitchen plates (6), set of mugs (4), set of glassware (6), kitchen towels (4), dish soap
• Linens Box: Set of (2) queen and (2) twin top and bottom sheets (2) pillowcases, (4) blankets, (4) pillows, alarm clock, laundry basket
• Cleaning Supplies Box: All-purpose cleaner, laundry detergent, sponges and scrubber, cleaning rags, paper towels, waste baskets (2), trash bags
• Hygiene/Toiletries Box: Toilet paper (one pack), shampoo and conditioner (one each not travel size), soap (2), toothbrush (6), toothpaste (2), personal hygiene items (deodorant, body lotion, razors, feminine hygiene products (no tampons)

If you assemble a complete box, please clearly label the carton, laundry basket, or waste basket. Each box must meet the needs of a family of four. You are welcome to supplement with items you think the family can use and would like. Again, if you would prefer to drop off individual box items instead of a complete box, you are welcome to do that and the Afghan Refugee Support Team members will put together complete boxes and make deliveries.

LEGAL SUPPORT: Many of our new refugee neighbors will be in need of legal help.  If you are an attorney who is willing to provide pro bono support, please contact Marj Klein at 301-365-3877. 

We will continue to provide updated information as we become aware of additional needs. If you would like to become a member of our team, please contact Stew Remer or Marj Klein. We welcome your participation.

Thank you for your interest in supporting these efforts! 

Your Afghan Refugee Support Team, 

Marj Klein and Stew Remer (Co-Chairs), Rabbi Adam Raskin, Hazzan Ozur Bass, David Faerberg, Jennifer Faerberg, Liz Goldel, Toby Holtzman, Beth Ann Katz, Joyce Lipman, Bernie Lubran, Ellen Milhiser, Susan Strassman