Only weeks old! We are thrilled to announce the arrival of a baby boy, born at a US base and thus already a US citizen!  He arrives with his parents and 2-year-old brother.  

Between the time of writing this article and the time of your reading this, we fully expect we will have joyously welcomed our first Afghan family. Having a SIV (Special Immigration Visa) allows for a direct pathway to a green card.  SIVs are available to individuals who have worked as translators, interpreters, or other professions employed by or on behalf of the US government.  

We are incredibly fortunate to work again with Jewish Family Services of Metrowest with the support of JCRC, Catholic Charities, and HIAS. With the fast evolving events in this Afghan resettlement process, we anticipate that the family will be settled in housing (but we may require short-term accommodations). Debbie Gotbetter is once more leading the core family volunteers who will provide assistance in navigating a variety of services and efforts as this family adjusts to their new home.  

Congregants have been hugely generous in providing toiletries, socks, and underwear during the Sukkot collection as well as many donations of furniture and clothing. We would be deeply grateful if we could sponsor a second family; this necessitates our raising additional funds.  

To make a donation, click here to support the New Americans Immigration Fund (be sure to select the fund from the dropdown menu). You can also mail a check payable to Temple Beth Elohim noting in the memo line “New Americans Immigration Fund.”

To get involved or learn more, visit our web page or contact any one of us:

Michael Gilman
Ed Shapiro
Deb Gotbetter
Jessica Lasser
Lina Musayev
Susan Sidel