How We Move Forward Together For Refugees

The presidential campaign has ended, but it has left its mark.

Rather than dwell on the ugly words about refugees, immigrants and “others” that were uttered during this campaign, today I’m thinking about how to move past them.

It's going to take all of us, working harder than ever, to make sure that refugees still feel welcome in this country. It is up to us to ensure that the U.S. remains a place where families fleeing war and persecution can find safety and dignity.

In the days and weeks ahead, we must take every opportunity to remind our fellow Americans, including President-elect Trump, that America’s leadership drives the international community’s protection of refugees.

Together we must spread the truth about refugees and the many benefits they bring to our communities: starting businesses, raising honor-roll students, and eventually becoming engaged American citizens.

As always, we need to speak out whenever we see anyone mistreating another person for who they are, what they believe or where they come from. We must reject vitriol whether it comes from a neighbor, a stranger, or even an elected or appointed official.

For 135 years, HIAS has been there to welcome the stranger and protect the refugee, regardless of the political climate. We are proud of standing on the right side of history and representing the very best of Jewish and American values.

We hope you will continue to stand with us, and with refugees—we need your partnership and support more than ever.  

Click here to read HIAS’ full statement calling on President-elect Donald J. Trump to uphold the longstanding United States’ policy of protecting refugees, and sign-up here to join the Jewish response to the global refugee crisis.