Jewish Leader Vows to Continue Refugee Advocacy Despite Far-Right Harassment
A prominent Jewish refugee advocate has pledged that solidarity work with asylum seekers will persist in the face of escalating harassment from far-right activists targeting Jewish organizations supporting displaced people. Rabbi David Mason, executive director of the UK Jewish refugee charity HIAS+JCORE, revealed that groups like his have increasingly confronted antisemitic abuse and conspiracy theories, primarily online.
"It's to frighten us," Mason stated, emphasizing that such intimidation would not deter their mission. "It's a badge of honour, in a way. I'm doing something and I'm determined, as a Jew and as someone who believes in a strong, cohesive Britain."
Conspiracy Theories Driving Hostility
Mason explained that some of the hostility stems from dangerous conspiracy theories like the "great replacement," which falsely alleges that Jews are orchestrating migration to undermine Western societies. Similar antisemitic narratives were cited by the gunman who attacked three Jewish congregations in Pittsburgh, USA, in 2018, targeting Jews he believed were aiding refugees through organizations such as the US-based refugee agency HIAS.
Speaking at a Refugee Shabbat event in London designed to highlight Jewish solidarity with asylum seekers, Mason noted that many Jewish synagogues and community groups across the UK continue to support refugees, though this work often remains less visible due to security concerns and rising antisemitism.
Broad Support Within Jewish Community
The event gathered leading figures from the Jewish community, other faith groups, refugee organizations, politicians, and students. Participants included Progressive Judaism co-chair Rabbi Charley Baginsky and the Rev Guli Francis-Dehqani, while HIAS CEO Beth Oppenheim addressed attendees via video.
At least 60 synagogues and Jewish student societies plan to mark this Shabbat with refugee-focused activities, such as sermons, Friday-night meal discussions, and exhibitions. Some synagogues host monthly drop-ins for asylum seekers, alongside initiatives like choirs, orchestras, and LGBT support groups for refugees.
"The values of compassion and social responsibility are really at the heart of Judaism," Mason asserted. "My great-grandparents were refugees and came here. They needed help, support and friendship to become part of this place."
Key Programs and Volunteer Efforts
At HIAS+JCORE, a befriending program called Jump, now entering its 20th year, is central to its work with young refugees. The scheme pairs volunteer befrienders with unaccompanied young people aged 16 to 25, offering social support alongside casework assistance and access to hardship funds.
Ben, a volunteer mentor involved with Jump for about six years, described it as moving and rewarding work. "I'm there to be his mate and to be someone who can be a constant in his life," he said.
Challenges and Concerns
Mason acknowledged that the October 7 Hamas attacks in Israel and the Israel-Gaza war have complicated interfaith work, especially at a national level. However, he stressed that many local relationships between faith communities remain robust.
He criticized what he termed "celebrity interfaith" events that focus on photo-ops, adding: "There is nothing like faith groups sitting side by side and solving problems in society together."
While Mason welcomed the Labour government's emphasis on social cohesion, he expressed apprehension about recent rhetoric and asylum policies. HIAS+JCORE organized an interfaith letter urging a more compassionate policy and tone from the government following Keir Starmer's "island of strangers" speech.
"They're talking about pushing people back to their place of origin if they deem a country safe," he remarked. "But if these are people who have already put roots down, whose children are in school – what happens then? My grandparents came here, my mother went to school here, my grandfather became a doctor. And then what, you'd be told to leave? That's very worrying."
Internal Divisions and Future Hopes
Mason recognized that while broad support exists within the Jewish community for refugee solidarity, dissenting voices have emerged, including a newly formed Reform Jewish Alliance. "The events of the last two or three years have been a radicalising force for many people," he observed.
Nevertheless, he expressed pride in highlighting Jewish history as one shaped by exile and refuge, which he believes should foster compassion toward those seeking sanctuary today. Mason warned that unless addressed directly, increasing social division risks driving communities further apart. "People, cultures and communities don't meet," he cautioned. "And if they don't, you end up with generalisations that create fear."
