And all who became fugitives to escape their troubles refers to the Jewish people who fled from the persecution begun by Antiochus in 1Macc 1.44-50. These people were refugees. This first half of the verse may be rendered “All the people who were fleeing to escape those who were persecuting them [or, to escape persecution].”

Joined them and reinforced them may be rendered “joined Mattathias and his group and strengthened them.”

Good News Bible‘s translation of this verse may be expanded to read:

• In addition [or, In fact], everyone who was fleeing from those who were persecuting them joined Mattathias and his group and made them stronger.

Quoted with permission from Bullard, Roger A. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on 1-2 Maccabees. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2011. For this and other handbooks for translators see here.