Kingston Liberal Synagogue has launched a refugee welcome group at a Sukkot event in Kingston town centre on September 26.

The new refugee welcome group set up by Rabbi Janet Darley and Kingston Liberal Synagogue will help refugee families settle in the borough.

The group will offer befriending services, volunteering and employment opportunities, as well as assist with their wider integration in Kingston.

Rabbi Darley said: “The Jewish festival of Sukkot, with its construction of flimsy shelters without proper walls or a proper roof, is meant to remind us of the time our Israelite ancestors were refugees.

“It is therefore the perfect time to think about welcoming some of today's refugees.

“This year also marks the 80th anniversary of the start of the Kindertransport which allowed 10,000, mostly Jewish, children to come to safety here.”

Cllr Liz Green, leader of Kingston council, has praised the new refugee welcome group after meeting with members of various faith groups earlier this month.

She said: “The council has committed to bring 50 Syrian refugees, directly from the Middle East, to be relocated and housed in our borough.

“So far, 33 individuals, or 9 families, have been resettled in the borough through the scheme, and the refugee welcome group being set up by members of the interfaith community will support their integration and is most welcomed.”