HIAS Joins Call for TPS Designation for Israelis, and for Palestinians from Gaza and the West Bank

HIAS has joined several other Jewish organizations in issuing the following letter:

Dear President Biden and Secretary Mayorkas:

The ten undersigned national, Jewish organizations urge you to designate Israel for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and/or authorize Israelis for Deferred Enforced Departure (DED).

We are encouraged by reports that the Department of Homeland Security is considering designating TPS for Palestinians from Gaza and the West Bank. We recognize that TPS will provide protections to Palestinians in the U.S., ensuring that they do not have to return home to the midst of ongoing conflict.

Granting TPS to Palestinians is an essential step, but it should also be accompanied by a similar announcement for Israelis. As is the case with the West Bank, the U.S. Department of State has placed Israel under a Level 3 Travel Advisory. Israel continues to be subject to regular incoming missile fire from Gaza, aimed at civilians, and more than 200,000 Israelis remain displaced from their homes following the attacks on October 7th. It is our shared, strong belief that Israelis also warrant protection until it is safe for them to return home.

These programs would enable Israelis who are currently in the United States to be protected from being forced to return to their homeland while it is still under attack and would also afford them the ability to work legally here to support themselves and their families.

As we all join together in mourning the loss of life in Israel and Gaza, the enormity of the pain and scope of the crisis can almost be paralyzing. However, designating Palestinians from the West Bank and Gaza AND Israel for TPS (and/or authorizing Israelis for DED) is a concrete step that the U.S. should expeditiously take that will make a real difference in the lives of Palestinian and Israeli families who are in urgent need of stability and security while they are here in the United States. For follow-up on this request, please reach out to Naomi Steinberg, HIAS’ Vice President, U.S. Policy and Advocacy (naomi.steinberg@hias.org).

We thank you for your consideration.

B’nai B’rith International
HIAS
J Street
Jewish Council for Public Affairs
Jewish Labor Committee
Jewish Women International
National Council of Jewish Women
Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies
The Rabbinical Assembly
T’ruah