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Nov 12, 2014

The Lautenberg Amendment: A Lifeline for Iran’s Religious Minorities

Perhaps the most important value my family instilled in me as I was growing up is that “we were the lucky ones.” We were lucky to leave Iran just weeks before the fall of the Shah in 1979. We were lucky we had family in Israel.

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Nov 3, 2014

Election Day Reflections on Political Asylum

As Election Day draws near, I look forward to voting for candidates of my choosing without fear of being hurt or harassed. That security is not something to be taken lightly.

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Oct 29, 2014

A Call for the U.S. to Resettle More Syrians as Part of Multifaith Effort

Our elected officials have been on Capitol Hill for only a handful of days since August and there has been no legislation to help alleviate the largest refugee crisis of this era.

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Oct 28, 2014

Response to ISIS Genocide Must Include Safe Haven

Religious minorities, including Yazidis and Christians, fleeing the genocidal campaign of ISIS are entitled to safe haven, which requires a massive response from the United States and the international community.

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Oct 23, 2014

Giving Back Helps Refugee Volunteer Move Forward

Every once in a while a refugee comes along who not only takes challenge head on, but works to help others with their challenges. This is the story of Sadaf Sedgh.

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Oct 10, 2014

HIAS Scores Netanyahu for Seeking Refugees’ Detention

JTA reported HIAS statement by President and CEO Mark Hetfield expressing disappointment that Netanyahu was circumventing the Israeli Supreme Court soon after describing Israel as the only country in the Middle East that protects human rights.

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Oct 6, 2014

Will Netanyahu ever see asylum seekers as human beings with human rights?

Who really threatens Israel’s Jewish and democratic character: African asylum seekers themselves or how Israel’s government has treated them?

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Oct 1, 2014

Obama Allows Some Central American Youth to Seek Refugee Status

Obama Allows Some Central American Youth to Seek Refugee Status By Ted Hesson Oct 01, 2014 The Obama administration will allow a limited number of young people from Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador to apply for refugee status in the U.S. without leaving their home countries. Melanie Nezer called it “a welcome start.”

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Sep 30, 2014

Interview with HIAS’ Country Director in Chad, Joyce Kanja

Joyce Kanja discusses HIAS work with Darfuri refugees who fled genocide and live in refugee camps in Chad.

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Sep 23, 2014

Israel High Court Decision Upholds Refugee Rights

As we prepare to celebrate the most holy time of the Jewish year, we are proud that Israel’s highest court has upheld the fundamental right of persecuted people to seek and be granted safe haven.

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