HIAS Statement on Humanitarian Crisis in Ukraine

SILVER SPRING, Md. – Our worst fears were realized overnight with the escalation of conflict in Ukraine. HIAS is closely monitoring the situation inside Ukraine and in neighboring countries and is preparing to respond with emergency humanitarian assistance to those who are displaced.

Our first priority is the safety of the more than 160 staff of our long-time partner on the ground in Ukraine, Right to Protection (R2P), who have aided refugees and displaced persons since 2013. HIAS is rushing emergency funding to R2P to assist their response.

We are also exploring partnerships with Jewish community organizations and others in neighboring countries, including Poland and Moldova, to provide assistance to those who flee.

“We call on the United States government and the international community to support NGOs in Ukraine and in the region that are best positioned to help people seeking safety,” said Melanie Nezer, HIAS Senior Vice President for Global Public Affairs. “The world was aware this conflict was likely to happen; now that it has erupted, the time has come to act quickly and decisively to save lives and support the displaced.”

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