About

Who We Are

The LJS Drop-In for Asylum Seeker Families was founded in 2014 by Senior Rabbi Alexandra Wright, previous LJS Chair Rita Adler following a powerful sermon on the Jewish principle of tikkun olam ‘repair the earth’, and the injustices of the UK asylum system. The congregation, led by these key founders, envisioned a space within the LJS where asylum-seeking families could find welcome, dignity, and practical support within a caring community.

Volunteer Picnic celebrating the commitment of our volunteers for the past ten years at the Drop-in

What began as a small initiative within The Liberal Jewish Synagogue has grown into a well-trusted and well-organised Drop-In. Each month, we welcome around 85 families to the drop-in, providing hot meals, children’s activities, essential supplies, and cash to support each household.

In 2024, we marked ten years of continuous monthly Drop-Ins. While we do not celebrate the fact that so many families still need to rely on this kind of support in the UK, we do honour the strength, generosity, and commitment of our community. Over the years, this LJS initiative has grown into a wider, interfaith and intergenerational effort: 40% of our volunteers now come from beyond the synagogue, united by a shared belief in dignity, justice, and welcome.

The need is ongoing—but so is the care. Together, we continue to build a space rooted in compassion, solidarity, and hope.

What Our Drop-In Offers

  • We have two invitation groups of 75-85 families who each visit our Drop-In bi-monthly.
  • Each time a family visits our Drop-in (bi-monthly), they receive £45 in cash to cover travel expenses (usually around £20) and other expenses for those two months, making us the only Drop-in service in London providing direct cash financial support to asylum-seeking families.
  • A selection of seasonally targeted clothing
  • A warm vegetarian meal served in a welcoming communal dining area
  • Personal care kits for men and women, including period products
  • Brand-new underwear
  • Referrals for Baby Banks and other avenues of support
  • Infant care essentials (e.g., diapers and baby products)
  • Dedicated and supervised children’s play area