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On October 7, terrorist attacks on Israel by Hamas killed more than 1,200 people and wounded many more. As many as 240 people were taken hostage in Gaza and an estimated 200,000-250,000 Israelis have been internally displaced. HIAS is working to provide life-saving support to those displaced in Israel, including critical information to asylum seekers and displaced families.
On October 7, terrorist attacks on Israel by Hamas killed more than 1,200 people and wounded many more. As many as 240 people were taken hostage in Gaza and an estimated 200,000-250,000 Israelis have been internally displaced. HIAS is working to provide life-saving support to those displaced in Israel, including critical information to asylum seekers and displaced families.
There are approximately 30,000 asylum seekers in Israel, the majority having fled genocide in Sudan and forced military conscription in Eritrea: most entered Israel after a perilous journey at the hands of smugglers. Asylum seekers within Israel’s borders experience difficult conditions that limit access to protection and make it difficult to lead a stable life.
The Israeli government continues to struggle to implement an appropriate response, instead focusing primarily on deterrence and pressuring people to leave. As a result, it has been nearly impossible for applicants to gain asylum, with Israel’s approval rate less than 1%. Although some refugees have been in the country for years and speak Hebrew fluently, few prospects for local integration, immigration status, and access to basic rights exist.
HIAS Israel was a quick responder to the influx of Ukrainian refugees in 2022, providing legal and paralegal aid to prevent deportation and reunite families. Research from a Rapid Needs Assessment and survey showed the need for further legal protection, access to employment programs, culturally appropriate mental health services, and strengthened protection monitoring for women, children, and other vulnerable groups, which has informed HIAS Israel’s Ukraine response project. The office also works closely with community volunteer centers assisting Ukrainian refugees.
people received services in 2023
HIAS protects and supports refugees so they can build new lives and reunite with family members in safety and freedom. In Israel, HIAS plays a critical role helping refugees secure legal status, the first step toward regaining control and stability in their lives. HIAS also assists refugees with access to social rights and services, facilitates resettlement, and works closely with the private sector to provide pro bono legal support for refugees. In addition, HIAS advocates for a fair asylum system and offers higher education support to Jewish immigrants coming to Israel.
From mobilizing grassroots advocates to engaging policymakers, advocacy is fundamental to HIAS’ work. With the Jewish community beside us, we stand up for the rights of forcibly displaced people globally.
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Monim Haroon has worked at HIAS for several years. He was first an asylum seeker from Sudan who crossed multiple deserts to get to Israel and received help from HIAS. Today, he advocates for asylum seekers who are denied basic rights.
“I started as a beneficiary and then became a colleague,” Monim said. He knows how hard it is to live in Israel with a temporary status but has hope that things will change. “We are not recognized by the state, but we need to move ahead,” he said.
Read Monim's story
Oct 07, 2023
HIAS and HaHamal HaMeshutaf volunteers walk to deliver meal packages in the Bedouin village of Abu Queider to provide essential food assistance to 500 families in the Negev region on February 18, 2024. (Sergey Ponomarev for HIAS)
0.06% is the recognition rate of refugees in Israel. Why is this number so low? This report examines Israel's Refugee Status Determination (RSD) Regulation, providing an explanation about articles in the Regulation and how they are applied in practice.
Download ReportPersecution on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity is often the motivating factor for flight, but is seldom the reason given by refugees and asylum seekers themselves.
Download ReportIn the latest episode of Crossing Borders, the HIAS podcast, we hear Monim’s story and about the complicated issue of asylum in Israel. There are more than 30,000 Sudanese and Eritrean asylum seekers in Israel and most live in legal limbo with little hope for a normal future. HIAS Israel has been working for years to help asylum seekers and has made important strides, but the road is an uphill one: less than one percent of those seeking asylum in Israel have been approved.
Seeking asylum in IsraelHIAS’ services are free. If someone tries to charge you for services claiming they represent HIAS, please report it at our confidential email address: ethics@hias.org. HIAS has a zero-tolerance policy on fraud and corruption.
For any other inquiries please email us at info@hias.org.
