Alain Mentha, Who Ran Nonprofit To Help Refugees In Hudson County, Dies At 57

HUDSON COUNTY, NJ — Alain Mentha of Jersey City, known his dedication to his Jersey City-based nonprofit to help refugees, died on New Year's Day after battling pancreatic cancer.

A funeral is planned at Temple Beth-El in Jersey City on Tuesday morning, Jan. 3 at 10:30 a.m. It will be livestreamed on Temple Beth-El’s YouTube channel, https://bit.ly/3ac8BuD .

Mentha co-founded and ran Welcome Home Jersey City.

The organization said this week, "He made sure that Jersey City was a place for everyone–especially for those seeking refuge. He made sure that everyone had the dignity of a good home, support, and resources to thrive."

His temple in Jersey City sent a message on Sunday:

To our congregational family,

We are profoundly sad to write with news of the death early this morning of our beloved congregant, friend and community leader, Alain Mentha. Alain was 57 and succumbed to cancer early this morning with his wife, Jennifer Strong Mentha and daughter, Amelie Mentha by his side.

Alain was a tireless community leader. In addition to serving as Co-chair of our Social Action Committee, he was the founder and champion of Welcome Home Jersey City, a community-based organization that provides educational, employment and material support for refugees and asylum seekers locally. Alain and his family worked tirelessly toward his goal of compassionately giving all newcomers the dignity of a decent home and the resources they need to make better lives for themselves. Moreover, he made it possible for countless others to perform the mitzvah of welcoming the stranger and the newcomers in our wider community.

In addition to Jennifer and Amelie, Alain is survived by his mother Jewel Mentha and brother, Daniel Mentha (Maria, and daughter Angela).

[Private service information omitted; contact the temple for more information]

Donations of Tzedaka in Alain’s memory and in honor of his incredible work in the community may be made to Welcome Home Jersey City, https://welcomehomerefugees.or... .

It is a mitzvah to bring comfort to those who are in mourning. We encourage you to lend your support to Jennifer and Amelie at this most difficult time.

Zichrono livracha. May Alain’s memory always be for a blessing.

In friendship and l'shalom,

Rabbi Leana Moritt

Was Active In Local Issues

Mentha was active in local issues. and expressed a "dying wish" in a letter in September.

"I am surrounded by friends and family who love me," he wrote, "and at peace with the life I have led."

Mentha's nonprofit can be found here.