Silver Spring, Md – HIAS, the Jewish community’s international agency for refugees, is encouraged by the decision of a federal district court in Washington, D.C., to issue a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) provisionally halting the Trump administration’s freeze on foreign aid, which has left millions of people around the world vulnerable to disease, illness, hunger, and harm. The decision is the first step for the Global Health Council v. Trump lawsuit, in which HIAS is a plaintiff.
The Court acknowledged the existential harm caused to HIAS and the other plaintiffs who have together lost hundreds of staff and millions of dollars in congressionally appropriated humanitarian aid. The freeze threatens the lives and well-being of 450,000 of HIAS’ vulnerable clients by halting our services including protection for displaced and at-risk children, mental health and psychosocial support, economic inclusion programs, and protection against trafficking and violence facing women and girls around the world.
While this is an important first step in support of HIAS’ lifesaving global programs, we know we have a long road ahead of us. We urge the Trump administration to comply with the court’s ruling, and to restore funding for essential programming impacting the lives of displaced people around the world.
The statement on HIAS’ participation in Global Health Council v. Trump can be found here.
For press inquiries, reach out to media@hias.org.
