When a member of the board on the JCC Greater Boston asked if a family coming to the U.S. from the center of the current Israeli-Palestinian conflict could be given a temporary membership, the J’s immediate response was “yes.” Since then, the J’s outreach to the crisis in the Middle East is only growing. When they recently held an open house for displaced individuals, approximately 50 families joined, showing the need for the JCC’s services.
CEO and president, Lily Rabinoff-Goldman, explained how offering displaced families a soft-landing spot can help them find some comfort while in the U.S. For example, the JCC is offering daycare and babysitting for children who aren’t old enough to be in school and a space for them to connect with the community.
“The mission of the JCC is to create a vibrant, emerging community built on relationships,” said Rabinoff-Goldman. “We are doing that with this initiative and living up to our core values of belonging, joy, collaboration and transformation through listening. In a moment of hardship, both geo-politically and locally, it’s amazing to be able to bring people together and give them a spark of connection, hope and joy.”
How Members are Getting Involved
Rabinoff-Goldman said members also are showing eagerness to help in any way possible. They’re welcoming displaced families by contributing to a community support fund so the JCC Greater Boston can continue helping them, donating clothing, such as winter coats, and holding small fundraisers like bake sales. They’re helping families connect with one another, by creating texting and play groups, and to other resources within the city.
“Our members want to do something and feel like they’re contributing,” said Rabinoff-Goldman. “We’re so grateful to our members and people in the community. They’re proud we said yes quickly and affirmatively to helping temporarily displaced families.”
In the greater social sphere of Boston, Rabinoff-Goldman said everyone has a different role in responding to crises. Heading this initiative made her realize the J’s purpose is welcoming people with open arms and offering a place of hope and comfort. There are other resources helping school-aged children and with housing, but the power of community can’t be underestimated.
“The JCC is doing an amazing job working to welcome these displaced families, and I’m proud to represent that,” said Rabinoff-Goldman. “People also feel it’s part of our mission to care for people. That’s what we do. To be able to pivot quickly to offer care for people in an acute moment emphasizes how true our goal is.”
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