The Torah teaches us, no fewer than 36 times, that the Jewish people are to care for strangers in our land for we know what it means to be in that situation. Olam Tikvah, guided by our Social Action Committee, is joining the effort to settle Afghan families as they arrive in the Northern Virginia area.  

More than 50 families have been settled, with more than 100 families expected soon. A few large organizations, particularly the Lutheran Social Services and RAFT (Resettling Afghan Families Together) are providing immediate assistance to these families and the OT Social Action Afghan Outreach is partnering with RAFT in this effort. RAFT consists of neighbors and veterans, Afghan families already living in this area, and our faith partners, including Adat Reyim, Westwood Baptist Church, Messiah United Baptist Church, Agudas Achim, and Make Space. These groups are doing the "boots on the ground work" to house these families. 

Our OT team leader is Martha Hill. She brings her management experience in Naval Supply Corps Logistics and a commitment to helping our Afghan Allies that is shared by so many other Military Veterans who recognize the importance of the roles the Afghan Allies filled for our troops serving in Afghanistan. She has already begun working with RAFT, and along with Barbra Golub, will be assembling a team of OT volunteers to join in this effort. 

On December 20, at 8:30pm, we will have an information session. At this meeting, we’ll share more information about ways you can help. These opportunities include transportation, sorting donations, physical assistance, one-on-one assistance, and material and financial donations. To volunteer, please complete and return this volunteer application form.

Register below to receive the Zoom link. If you have questions before the meeting, please contact Martha Hill at Hillmaileen@gmail.com.