Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Donation Supports HIAS’ Refugee Work

By Rachel Nusbaum, HIAS.org

Bishop Dean M. Davies, first counselor in the Presiding Bishopric, stopped by HIAS’ Washington, D.C. offices on Monday, October 31 to deliver a $200,000 pledge, as well as some words of support.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints made the generous donation to HIAS’ ongoing work in support of refugees, one of many such donations it has made in response to the global refugee crisis.

“We are so thrilled to partner with HIAS. There are so many things that you do that most people never see, but that lift the hearts of those in need,” said Davies.

“It's wonderful to have this kind of support from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,” said HIAS President and CEO Mark Hetfield.

“The work that we do at HIAS comes out of the Jewish experience as refugees ourselves. We know that Mormons, too, have endured the refugee experience. That makes this donation to help us help the refugees of today all the more meaningful,” Hetfield said.

This generous donation is the latest example of the growing interfaith movement in support of refugees which has emerged in response to the ongoing global crisis. With more than 65 million displaced worldwide, those who can are looking for ways to help.

“This contribution is made possible thanks to the individual donations of thousands of members and friends of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They have responded in compassion to the invitation to give generously for the relief of the growing numbers of refugees and internally displaced persons across the world,” Davies said.

“This generous donation includes the in-kind donation of both food and furniture from Deseret Industries, which will be a great help to HIAS as well as our local partners in our resettlement work. Part of our mission when helping refugees to rebuild their lives here is to ensure they arrive to find their new home already furnished and the pantry filled. Our affiliates are well located to receive these items,” said Mike Mitchell, part of the U.S. programs team at HIAS.

“We’re thrilled to be able to put these items to good use, helping newly-arrived refugees around the country in a real and direct way.”

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