Boulder Jewish News Arts, Culture, Events, Lifestyles, Holidays, Synagogues, Education
Boulder, CO — Congregation Har HaShem is proud to announce that it has been awarded the prestigious HIAS Pathways Leadership Award in recognition of its extraordinary work in supporting refugees, asylum seekers, and forcibly displaced individuals.
In December 2021, Congregation Har HaShem welcomed an Afghan family to its synagogue-owned home after their harrowing escape from Kabul, where they had been targeted and attacked by the Taliban. After a long and difficult journey, the family found refuge in Boulder, and the congregation provided swift and essential support. This included facilitated rides to numerous doctors appointments for the entire family, providing rent-free housing, and enrolling the parents in English language courses. Additionally, Har HaShem provided financial support totaling $20,000, an additional $5,000 in job training funds, and a free car (courtesy of a generous congregant).
As part of its ongoing efforts, Har HaShem has worked tirelessly to ensure that the Afghan family has access to necessary services and benefits, including assistance with schooling for their children. Their oldest son is now enrolled in local kindergarten, while the other attends the Boulder JCC Early Childhood Education program with the support of scholarships. The family has since welcomed two additional children since arriving in Boulder, and the father serves as a valued member of the synagogue’s facilities team. “The act of helping others is not only a core value of Har HaShem, but an integral part of being Jewish. It’s been a great pleasure helping this family, and they have become valued members of our community,” Rabbi Fred Greene.
Har HaShem’s commitment to helping refugees neither starts nor stops here. In 1985, community members established the Boulder Action for Soviet Jewry (BASJ), helping resettle over 200 Refuseniks (Soviet Jews). This legacy continues as the congregation has recently partnered with Glowmundo, a Denver-based non-profit focused on immigrant assistance. This collaboration supports newcomer families from Venezuela, providing critical resources to address the trauma experienced during their escape from severe political and economic turmoil. This summer, Congregation Har HaShem funded and hosted a series of sessions that brought together new members of Boulder’s Venezuelan community. They enjoyed traditional Venezuelan dishes prepared by congregants and participated in interactive presentations designed to foster resilience and offer information on available resources.
Congregation Har HaShem is dedicated to fostering a sense of community and ensuring a feeling of belonging to anyone who seeks it. The work being done by the congregation exemplifies our vision of creating a caring community and an open tent for all. For more information about Har HaShem’s social initiatives, please visit harhashem.org/social-justice
