The Jewish charity helping Afghan refugees rebuild their lives in Britain

Three Afghan refugees helped by World Jewish Relief and its partner, the Horton Housing Association, have spoken about how the charity supported them

THREE OF THE many Afghan refugees helped by World Jewish Relief and its partner, the Horton Housing Association, (HHA) have spoken emotionally of their experiences, both in Afghanistan in the face of the renewed Taliban takeover, and now, in Britain, dealing with the challenges of settling their families into a new society.

“Saffiyeh”, a former interpreter in Afghanistan, has been in Britain the longest, since 2015, and has now become a vital lifeline for the newcomers as he gives them practical help, as a volunteer for the HHA.

He says: “I started working in the bridging hotel [in Bradford] as a case worker. I help families around the hotel, booking GP appointments, getting things from the shops, taking their clothes to the launderette. I help them set up bank accounts, apply for benefits and enrol their children in schools. These tasks are hard enough if you do speak English; if you don’t, they are near impossible without this support”.

World Jewish Relief has set up a busy program of activities for the children in the hotel, so they don’t get bored — and it has also organised English language lessons for teenagers and women — “crucial assistance”, says Saffiyeh, in helping them integrate into Britain.

FULL STORY The Jewish charity helping Afghan refugees rebuild their lives in Britain (Times of Israel)

Photo: 'Safia', a support worker on the Afghan wrap around program, with one of the Familes to help them with calls to HMRC (Andy Aitchison)