OWS Sleepout Occupies Northwood & Pinner Liberal Synagogue

The 12 hour Sleepout was the brainchild of Rabbi Aaron Goldstein of Northwood & Pinner Liberal Synagogue who rallied the group together to highlight the difficulties faced by those communities in poverty who endure freezing temperatures, often as low as -20 degrees, living in dilapidated homes with completely inadequate heating.

Older people, children and people with disabilities are particularly vulnerable, and for many the winter months are a struggle to survive. World Jewish Relief’s Operation Winter Survival campaign has already helped to give direct support to thousands in desperate need, by providing winter food packages and food cards to buy food in the supermarket, fuel, medicines, warm clothes and bedding as well as home repairs. This year the charity the community has raised over £50,000 for the campaign and ten 40 foot trailers of humanitarian aid has been distributed to people in the region.

Rabbi Aaron Goldstein of Northwood & Pinner Liberal Synagogue, began the evening with Havdalah around the fire and led a movement style singing session accompanied by his 11 year old nephew, Joseph Colin, on the guitar. Rabbi Aaron said;

“It felt incredibly cold in our tent; it was only three degrees. But that’s so much warmer than the temperatures in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union right now that are down to -24 degrees at night, and we only stayed out for one night. People in Ukraine have died in the past few days in their homes because of the freezing temperatures. WJR’s work saves lives and I’m glad I had the opportunity with our community to contribute by raising awareness and funds to help support people through the winter.”

Another participant, David Emanuel decided to join the Sleepout when he heard about it at the last minute, he said “Having heard what your charity does, and that most of the people you are helping are living in much harsher conditions than many of us - it was great to contribute.

"Having spent an evening outside in freezing conditions it helps focus the mind a little more. Well done to you and the team for the good work that you do.”

Please donate to Operation Winter Survival now and help save lives. 

Operation Winter Survival is kindly sponsored by Springdene Care Homes.