People of Shomrei, Social Action

It Takes a Village

by Merrill Silver

1W1L 1For the past sixty-four days, I have felt hopeless, helpless and frustrated by many of the actions of the new administration. Rather than yelling at the TV screen and flailing my arms in despair, especially regarding the Moslem travel ban, I was grateful when Nick Levitin and Andy Silver organized the Shomrei Refugee Committee. Finally, a call to action! Thanks to their research and research by other committee members, we now have information about several agencies that occasionally need a helping hand. Or two or three. And make them strong, loving hands, as well.

1W1L 2One of these organizations, “One World One Love” (1W1L), posted a signup sheet on-line with specific requests. The goal? To solicit volunteers who can transform two dirty, unfurnished apartments into real homes that would welcome and house refugee families. Andy’s and my mission this day (Saturday March 25) was to deliver clothing, kitchenware, artwork, even houseplants that some of our congregants were donating to the Iraqi and Afghani families moving in on Monday.

1W1L 3Monday? That would explain the army of volunteers we found in the 3rd floor walkup apartments above a supermarket in Elizabeth, NJ. We placed our trunkful of bags and cartons in a collection already piled high and wide. In these adjacent apartments, men and women were scrubbing shower doors, bathtubs, ovens, and refrigerators. Someone was hanging brand-new blinds. A pre-teen and teenager were making beds and washing windows. People were climbing up and down the stairs bringing more and more items. It was like an old-fashioned barn raising taking place a few minutes from Newark Liberty Airport.

1W1L 4It occurred to me that starting from scratch is different from starting with nothing. Thanks to the determined and hardworking volunteers we met today, the refugee families will be starting their American lives with “something” – a heartfelt welcome and a promise of help along the difficult path ahead.

If you would like more information about ways to help refugees, please contact Andy or Nick.

And please join us at the next meeting of the Shomrei Refugee Committee, this Sunday, April 2, at 7:00pm at Shomrei.

  • Merrill Silver

    Merrill Silver is a long-time member of Shomrei. She can often be seen at the piano as part of the Simcha Band, a cross-generational musical ensemble she organizes at Shomrei. She and her husband Andy host "Minyan @ Home" the Wednesday night Maariv service at their home. She has tutored many of Shomrei's B'nai Mitzvah kids in leading services and chanting Torah.

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