Serving two decades of dedication

Jews for Social Action (JSA) : Serving two decades of dedication

Last month, the Asylum Seekers Centre proudly celebrated over 20 years of support from Jews for Social Action (JSA).

Since 2005, this dedicated group has been a vital part of our community—preparing an

d serving hot lunches, organising outings, and offering genuine friendship to people seeking asylum in our community.

Two decades of service is no small feat, with JSA showing up every Tuesday to serve community lunch and many volunteers remaining active since the very beginning. The group’s commitment and compassion are truly extraordinary.

A beginning rooted in solidarity

JSA is a volunteer social justice group affiliated with North Shore Temple Emanuel in Chatswood. Their work with people seeking asylum began long before connecting with ASC.

“We started working with ASC after spending two years visiting people locked up in Villawood Detention Centre, providing food, books, English lessons—and just friendship,” recalls Lewis Klipin, member of JSA.

When the people they supported were released, JSA found a new way to continue their volunteer work through the Asylum Seekers Centre.

For many members, this work is grounded in lived experience and faith.

“Jews have been refugees in many parts of the world for centuries.

“The Torah frequently refers to ‘welcome the stranger in your midst.’

Meals made with love

Every Tuesday, JSA volunteers prepare and serve hot lunches to ASC clients. 

These meals are anything but ordinary—volunteers shop, cook, clean, and connect with the community.

It’s a physically demanding task, but one they approach with dedication. Often volunteers would laboriously prepare and bring food from home.

“We arrive around 11:00am, serve lunch at 12:30, clean up, and finish around 2:00pm.”

In earlier years, JSA even tended a nearby garden to grow fresh ingredients. Although the garden is now closed, the spirit of care remains strong in every meal shared.

Joy outside the table

Beyond meals, JSA has organised many outings that offer joy, discovery, and connection.

“We’ve taken clients on outings to the zoo, the Opera House, Maritime Museum, Manly, Ku-ring-gai National Park…”

These offer educational experiences as well as relief from isolation.

“Outings are really important—not only to show off our wonderful city, but also to get clients out of the very narrow confines in which they live.”

Lewis highlights that many touching moments come from seeing children light up on these trips.

“Memorable times are many—mainly in the faces of kids on outings, and the joy in their parents’ faces too. The appreciation shown at lunches and outings is always amazing.”

Hopes for the future

JSA’s continued support reflects a shared goal for a more just and inclusive Australia.

“Our hopes for the future include the Asylum Seekers Centre receiving government funding to expand their work, and a shift toward more recognition and acceptance of people seeking asylum.”

The Asylum Seekers Centre is deeply grateful to the volunteers of Jews for Social Action.

Their 20-year commitment represents more than just service—it’s an enduring act of solidarity. Their generosity, resilience, and humanity continue to inspire all of us.

*Want to volunteer and provide hot meals for people seeking asylum? Find out more about our Community Lunch program HERE.