Synagogue as Sanctuary

The week of 15th June 2026 was a fantastic moment for us as a community. We celebrated becoming the first Synagogue of Sanctuary, a title in recognition of our ongoing efforts to bring justice to this world we share.

So many fabulous FPS folk over the past 11 years have been part of this work. I think particularly of Charlotte Fischer, community organiser and long time friend of FPS and our initial collaborator in pursuing justice. (Tzedek Tzedek Tirdof as Deuteronomy reminds us.) She said this to us and I wanted to share it:

“Many people rightly spoke last night about the impact you’ve made on migrant and refugee communities. But I want to add the gifts you’ve given the Jewish community. I think you’ve done something that gives people hope in the world, and whilst it’s done good for so many communities, it particularly builds a sense of possibility and joy for Jews. Every time something hard happens — every time something less good is in the news, everyone who knows FPS and their story remembers people can reach out across difference, synagogues can be centres of hope and home to our own and other communities, we can take risks (and it’s easier when we do it with each other and with friends). You chose winning rather than feeling either rage or despair or self righteousness. The fruits were so visible last night.”

Our sanctuary was packed with our Mayor, many local Councillors, local religious groups, our partners we work with and so many of our own from FPS. “Pause and mark” is what Jewish tradition teaches us. And so we did.