Refugee Resettlement Project

“The stranger who resides with you shall be to you as one of your citizens; you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.” (Lev. 19:34)

For five consecutive years NSCI has partnered with RefugeeOne to help resettle a refugee family here in Chicago, with the goal that the family becomes self-reliant six to eight months after their arrival. 

The name “17” reminds us that 17 years is the average time a refugee spends in a camp, in limbo, around the world. They have fled war, persecution, and terror and live in a state of uncertainty. Yes, 17 years.

what volunteers do

Volunteer mentors check in with the refugee family each week for their first six months in the country. Activities include: 

• Meeting the families at their apartments or parks
• Helping them practice English
• Going on outings to the library, beach, or grocery store
• Answering questions the family may have about life in Chicago
• Doing art projects
• And much more!

We need at least 10 volunteers to sign up so that we can welcome another family soon.

Sign up to volunteer. 

For more information from RefugeeOne, including valuable volunteer education, please click HERE.

DONATE

To donate to 17: NSCI's Refugee Resettlement Project, please make checks payable to “NSCI” and write “Refugee Resettlement Project” on the memo line. Please mail checks to NSCI, Attn: Rabbi Jacob Leizman, 1185 Sheridan Road, Glencoe, IL 60022, or click HERE to donate online.

OUR HISTORY

NSCI’s refugee resettlement efforts date back to the earliest period in NSCI’s history when the congregation welcomed our first assistant rabbi, Rabbi Arthur Bluhm and his family, who were rescued from the Nazis and brought here in 1938. Then later, in the 1970s, NSCI’s Board of Trustees revisited conversations about resettling international refugees. Detailed minutes exist in which our synagogue leadership strategized how best to welcome Vietnamese families who were fleeing oppressive legislation enforced by the Communist regime. On January 16, 1980, NSCI welcomed the Tran family, refugees from Vietnam. Our community fundraised, rented an apartment for them in nearby Highland Park, cooked meals and tutored them in English. One family loaned their station wagon and others helped the adults secure employment. Now, in our 101st year, NSCI remains committed to the important work of refugee resettlement, honoring the legacy of our founders and continuing to embody Judaism’s highest callings.

Make a Home

Below you’ll find images from circa 2021, where volunteers brought supplies, groceries, home goods, and kitchenware to help a refugee family start their new life in downtown Chicago.

Sign up to volunteer.