HIAS Stands for a Welcoming, Safe, and Just America for All

SILVER SPRING, Md. — We at HIAS are devastated by the recent murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and the long list of black Americans murdered in this country with blatant disregard for their rights, dignity, and ultimately, their lives. As people around the country rise up in anger and frustration, we grieve with the victims’ families, and with all people, particularly black Americans, who are mourning.

HIAS stands with our black colleagues, supporters, partners, clients, and beneficiaries. We stand against these dehumanizing acts of violence and for justice for the black community.

HIAS was founded in New York City nearly 140 years ago and since then has stood for a United States that welcomes refugees and immigrants. It is our profound belief that our country should be a place of safety for those who are persecuted because of who they are or what they believe.

Yet we know that our vision of an America that is welcoming and safe cannot be realized unless and until there is an end to the devastating acts of violence that impact the black community so much more than others in our country.

It is long past the time for change. There is no place for racism and hate in our country, and there will be no justice until we stand together and demand it for everyone.

We are dedicated to doing the hard work necessary to achieve this critical goal.

All of us at HIAS

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