To Save a Life is to Save the World: JIAS Toronto, Canada's PSR Program, and How You Can Help

Moderated by JIAS Executive Director Elise Herzig, this webinar sheds light on Canada's unique Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) Program and how Canadians can make a difference in the life of refugees -- through a Jewish lens. Following a brief introduction, esteemed scholar and policy maker Naomi Alboin shares some key facts and reflections on the PSR program, which she has been involved with since its launch in the late 1970s. This is followed by a panel discussion (which begins at the 20 minute mark) that balances practical examples of how community members can get involved with powerful and heartfelt personal experiences. Speakers: The session is moderated by JIAS Toronto's Executive Director Elise Herzig, who is joined by Lia Kisel, JIAS Toronto's Director of Language and Settlement. NAOMI ALBOIM Naomi Alboim is a fellow, adjunct professor and Chair of the Policy Forum at the School of Policy Studies at Queen’s University. Ms. Alboim is an active public policy consultant, has worked at senior levels in the Canadian federal and Ontario provincial governments for twenty-five years, including eight years as Deputy Minister in three different portfolios (including immigration). Ms. Alboim is a recipient of Queen Elizabeth II’s Gold and Diamond Jubilee Medals and is a member of the Order of Ontario. She is also the daughter of a refugee. AMYN & THANAA SARIF Amyn & Thanaa Sarif both came to Canada over 30+ years ago, from Mozambique and Syria, respectively, and built their lives, careers and family in Toronto. When civil war broke out in Syria in 2012, Thaana’s 4 sisters and their families were forced to flee to Turkey like hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees seeking safe haven. Through a series of events, the Sarif family were able to partner with JIAS Toronto and 3 sponsorship groups (Beth Tzedec, Oraynu, and Lakeshore Syrian Connection) to establish Canada as their new home for 3 sisters. The 4th Sister was reunited with her kids in Germany. JIAS played a key role in sponsoring and bringing their family members to rebuild their lives in the GTA. JIAS continues to play key role as a SAH for the 4th sister who has fled Malaysia to avoid her sons being forced to join the military for a senseless civil war. JACQUELINE FRIEDLAND Since the fall of 2015, on behalf of Holy Blossom Temple, Jacqueline Friedland has coordinated the volunteer efforts of more than 150 people in the private sponsorship of seven families from Syria, Iraq (Yazidi), and Rwanda. Through these activities, Jacque has developed deep and lasting friendships with many of the families. Jacque’s passion for welcoming newcomers to Canada in recent years is a continuation of her activities in adopting families who had immigrated from the former Soviet Union when she was a child, and in the 1990s as a young adult. ODED HUBERT Oded Hubert is a professional engineer and retired executive who turned to volunteerism after retiring in 2017. Oded’s volunteerism with JIAS has included assistance with organizational strategy, but he prefers to work at the “grassroots” level, where he can make small but meaningful contributions at the individual level. His refugee support work began when he started tutoring a young Eritrean refugee child and identified other supports he could offer the family. Oded is the child of post-WWII refugees who were assisted by JIAS when they came to Canada. To volunteer with JIAS Toronto, contact [email protected] or visit www.jiastoronto.org/volunteer