Topic: Jewish Values and History

Feb 1, 2023

HIAS, the international Jewish humanitarian organization that provides critical services to forcibly displaced people, is organizing the fifth annual Refugee Shabbat to take place February 3-4, 2023. The initiative encourages Jewish congregations, community organizations, and individuals across the United States and around the world to dedicate a Shabbat experience to raising awareness about the global displacement crisis, and to reaffirm support for refugees and asylum seekers and take action at a time when the right to seek asylum is being severely abridged in the U.S. and around the world. 

Jan 30, 2023

HIAS Israel awarded 44 scholarships this year to student immigrants.  The winners came from Ethiopia, France, the United States, Argentina, Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and Ecuador. For many of the students, the $2,500 scholarship enables them to complete another year in school — whether college, graduate, or doctoral level.

Jan 13, 2023

In the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, HIAS committed considerable resources and expertise toward assisting clients displaced by the conflict, which has triggered one of the world’s largest refugee crises. On the eve of the war’s anniversary, HIAS’ efforts have been recognized: We are among the Jewish activists and organizations honored by this year’s Genesis Prize (also known as the “Jewish Nobel”) for working to uphold Ukraine’s independence and alleviate the suffering of the People of Ukraine. 

Jan 5, 2023

HIAS assailed President Biden’s deeply flawed and outrageously inequitable plan to expand Title 42 border expulsions of asylum seekers and allow up to 30,000 people from Cuba, Haiti, and Nicaragua who have sponsors in the U.S. to enter the country temporarily as humanitarian parolees – but only if they fly to U.S. airports.

Dec 22, 2022

On December 20th, HIAS Europe was awarded the Share the Light prize by the European Jewish Community Centre (EJCC) during the 18th annual EuroChanukah festivities hosted by the European Commission. The prize was given in recognition of HIAS Europe’s work responding to the humanitarian emergency in Ukraine, especially in the resettlement of displaced people. 

Mar 3, 2022

With hundreds of Jewish communities around the world preparing to participate in Refugee Shabbat on March 4-5, the ongoing crises in Ukraine and Afghanistan loom large.

Dec 21, 2021

When a Tulsa synagogue approached HIAS to become a resettlement partner, it didn’t make immediate sense. But this inclusive, non-denominational Tulsa community works differently from most synagogue congregations.

Dec 1, 2021

HIAS is highlighting the importance of community-based mental health programs that promote the well-being of individuals, families, and communities affected by crisis and conflict.

Oct 26, 2021

Mark Oppenheimer’s new book Squirrel Hill: The Tree of Life Synagogue Shooting and the Soul of a Neighborhood traces the response of the community in the weeks and months after the attack. HIAS spoke with the author about what we can learn from the community, the event, and its aftermath.