Latest News
Sep 14, 2016
The World Gathers to Confront the Refugee Crisis: Here’s What You Need to Know
Sep 14, 2016
World leaders will convene in New York on September 19 during the UN General Assembly to address the displacement crisis affecting millions of people around the globe. It’s the first time such a high level gathering has ever been held solely to focus on refugee and migration issues. The Jewish community will be watching closely, because today’s refugee law comes directly from our own historical experience as refugees.
Sep 12, 2016
The Coolest Handbags We’ve Ever Seen Were Made by This LGBT Refugee
Sep 12, 2016
Henry started his business with just five hand-sewn tote bags made from pieces of traditional East African fabric. They were an instant hit, and he has been expanding ever since. Over the past 11 months, he has hired 20 LGBT refugees to do piece-work, cutting the fabric he uses to make his bags. By working from home, they stay safe and are still able to earn a living.
Sep 7, 2016
Syrian Family Lands in Maryland, Gets Big Welcome from Local Synagogue
Sep 7, 2016
At 6 p.m. on Thursday evening, Karen Green is abuzz with last minute preparations. In just a few hours, she’ll be at Reagan National airport to meet the Syrian refugee family her congregation has spent the last 10 days anxiously preparing for.
Sep 6, 2016
From Albany to Kansas City, the Jewish Community Is Stepping Up for Refugees
Sep 6, 2016
"Against a backdrop of increased fear and unease about refugees, the American Jewish community has stepped up to the challenge, because we understand what’s at stake. Synagogues in places as varied as Albany, Chicago, Los Angeles, Kansas City, Philadelphia, St. Louis and San Francisco are helping newly-arrived families rebuild their lives in the United States," writes Rabbi Jennie Rosenn.
Sep 1, 2016
[AUDIO] Resettling Refugees in Pittsburgh, Human to Human
Sep 1, 2016
“I don’t know what they’ve been through, but I can relate to them as parents—as human beings.” Leslie Aizenman describes the “low-tech, high-touch process" of resettling refugees in Pittsburgh.
Aug 31, 2016
HIAS Interns Leave Their Mark
Aug 31, 2016
“I was a HIAS U.S. Programs Intern over the summer and honestly had an incredible experience,” said Nasreen Baten-Tschan, one of three summer interns working with the U.S. programs team at HIAS headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland.
Aug 29, 2016
Hitting Important Milestone, U.S. Resettles 10,000th Syrian Refugee
Aug 29, 2016
The U.S. will reach an important milestone this week for refugees. The Obama Administration announced today that it will meet its goal of welcoming at least 10,000 Syrian refugees before the end of September, part of its response to the humanitarian crisis in Syria created by years of an unrelenting civil war.
Aug 24, 2016
L.A. Synagogues Going the Distance for Refugees in SoCal
Aug 24, 2016
A recent story in Jewish Journal highlighted the efforts of Temple Beth Am in LA to help recently resettled refugees in Southern California. Beth Am, who have joined the HIAS Welcome Campaign, partnered with Modern Orthodox B’nai David-Judea Congregation to collect needed items for newly arrived refugees.
Aug 19, 2016
TIME: The U.S. Is Failing Central American Refugees
Aug 19, 2016
"We must do more to help those seeking asylum—whichever direction they’re fleeing," writes HIAS President and CEO Mark Hetfield in a newly published opinion piece for TIME.
Aug 16, 2016
The Forward: Could Trump’s ‘Ideological’ Test Bar Orthodox Jews and Israelis?
Aug 16, 2016
“As Jews, we feel called to oppose policies which would bar a person based on their faith or where they come from,” Nezer said. “We have full confidence in the U.S. government’s commitment to keeping our country safe, and we cannot allow xenophobia and fear to drive our policies.”