Bushey United Synagogue Afghan Relief
1745. Elchonon Feldman
Rabbi Elchonon Feldman, from Hertfordshire, has led efforts, alongside Melanie Barnett, Deborah Dobrin, and Jacqueline Feldman at Bushey United Synagogue to provide relief for refugees from Afghanistan.
Rabbi Feldman made a plea to worshippers of Bushey United Synagogue via social media in late August 2021 requesting donations for refugees from Afghanistan and was inundated with over 3000 bags of donated items, which filled the Synagogue car park. Donations included warm clothing, educational materials and toiletries, and Rabbi Feldman wants the message of embracing refugees and community cohesion to be passed through future generations.
The award for Rabbi Feldman and volunteers from the Bushey United Synagogue was presented by their local MP, Oliver Dowden (pictured).
Oliver Dowden CBE, MP for Hertsmere, said:
“I am both delighted and honoured to award Rabbi Feldman this Points of Light award today alongside volunteers from ‘Bushey Gives Back’ – the synagogue’s social action committee. Having worked closely with Rabbi Feldman as the local Member of Parliament, I know that his commitment to his community is unparalleled.
“I know that Bushey United Synagogue was swamped with donations from the local community, so much so you could not get into the car park! This is testament to both Rabbi Feldman, volunteers, his shul, and the wider Hertsmere community. I could not think of someone more deserving of this prestigious award.”