Immigration and Refugee Task Force

In early 2017 a group of faith communities in the Olympia area began meeting to address the needs of immigrants living in our community. It soon became obvious that the greatest need was for a congregation to step forward, and be ready to provide physical sanctuary should one be needed to prevent a person’s deportation.

Temple Beth Hatfiloh created a task force to accomplish this. The group, with the support of many other faith communities and the TBH board, spent one year in planning. We worked with experts and other congregations around the country who were experienced in this work. There were a myriad of details to address. In the spring of 2018 the Task Force’s comprehensive plan was submitted to the board. It was adopted and in August of 2018 Temple Beth Hatfiloh officially became a sanctuary congregation. One year later, in September of 2019, the congregation welcomed our first guests. The press release from that event is included here. 

Read our statement on immigrant support here (PDF).

Statement from the Greater South Sound Faith Network for Immigrant and Refugee Support (PDF). 

Temple Beth Hatfiloh is also a signatory of the HIAS Welcome Campiagn. 

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