We provide legal services and support, including free legal representation for asylum seekers so that everyone around the world, including displaced people, can have equal access to their legal rights.
Israel
Legal aid program staff meet to discuss outreach to the asylum seeker community in HIAS' Tel Aviv, Israel office. (HIAS Israel)
Office Location
Tel Aviv
Founded
1950
Staff Size
38
Crisis Alert
On October 7, terrorist attacks on Israel by Hamas killed more than 1,200 people and wounded many more. As many as 240 people were taken hostage in Gaza and an estimated 200,000-250,000 Israelis have been internally displaced. HIAS is working to provide life-saving support to those displaced in Israel, including critical information to asylum seekers and displaced families.
Crisis Alert
On October 7, terrorist attacks on Israel by Hamas killed more than 1,200 people and wounded many more. As many as 240 people were taken hostage in Gaza and an estimated 200,000-250,000 Israelis have been internally displaced. HIAS is working to provide life-saving support to those displaced in Israel, including critical information to asylum seekers and displaced families.
There are approximately 30,000 asylum seekers in Israel, the majority having fled genocide in Sudan and forced military conscription in Eritrea: most entered Israel after a perilous journey at the hands of smugglers. Asylum seekers within Israel’s borders experience difficult conditions that limit access to protection and make it difficult to lead a stable life.
The Israeli government continues to struggle to implement an appropriate response, instead focusing primarily on deterrence and pressuring people to leave. As a result, it has been nearly impossible for applicants to gain asylum, with Israel’s approval rate less than 1%. Although some refugees have been in the country for years and speak Hebrew fluently, few prospects for local integration, immigration status, and access to basic rights exist.
HIAS Israel was a quick responder to the influx of Ukrainian refugees in 2022, providing legal and paralegal aid to prevent deportation and reunite families. Research from a Rapid Needs Assessment and survey showed the need for further legal protection, access to employment programs, culturally appropriate mental health services, and strengthened protection monitoring for women, children, and other vulnerable groups, which has informed HIAS Israel’s Ukraine response project. The office also works closely with community volunteer centers assisting Ukrainian refugees.
203,000
people received services in 2023
Our Work
HIAS protects and supports refugees so they can build new lives and reunite with family members in safety and freedom. In Israel, HIAS plays a critical role helping refugees secure legal status, the first step toward regaining control and stability in their lives. HIAS also assists refugees with access to social rights and services, facilitates resettlement, and works closely with the private sector to provide pro bono legal support for refugees. In addition, HIAS advocates for a fair asylum system and offers higher education support to Jewish immigrants coming to Israel.
From mobilizing grassroots advocates to engaging policymakers, advocacy is fundamental to HIAS’ work. With the Jewish community beside us, we stand up for the rights of forcibly displaced people globally.
Learn More
We work to protect the right of women, girls, and LGBTQ communities to access their full potential and live free from violence by supporting survivors, mitigating risks, and transforming beliefs that perpetuate GBV.
Our economic inclusion programs ensure that refugees have economic opportunities to earn sustainable income and start their lives anew.
We provide legal services and support, including free legal representation for asylum seekers so that everyone around the world, including displaced people, can have equal access to their legal rights.
Impact Story
Finally Some Good News for Sudanese Asylum Seekers
The Israeli interior ministry, often deemed unsympathetic to the plight of asylum seekers, acceded to a court ruling and is beginning to grant temporary residence status to 2,445 Sudanese asylum seekers this year.
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Statements
Oct 07, 2023
Resources and Publications
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0.06% is the recognition rate of refugees in Israel. Why is this number so low? This report examines Israel's Refugee Status Determination (RSD) Regulation, providing an explanation about articles in the Regulation and how they are applied in practice.
Download Report -
Persecution on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity is often the motivating factor for flight, but is seldom the reason given by refugees and asylum seekers themselves.
Download Report -
Podcast Episode: Seeking Asylum in Israel
In the latest episode of Crossing Borders, the HIAS podcast, we hear Monim’s story and about the complicated issue of asylum in Israel. There are more than 30,000 Sudanese and Eritrean asylum seekers in Israel and most live in legal limbo with little hope for a normal future. HIAS Israel has been working for years to help asylum seekers and has made important strides, but the road is an uphill one: less than one percent of those seeking asylum in Israel have been approved.
Seeking asylum in Israel
Partners
HIAS’ services are free. If someone tries to charge you for services claiming they represent HIAS, please report it at our confidential email address: ethics@hias.org. HIAS has a zero-tolerance policy on fraud and corruption.
For any other inquiries please email us at info@hias.org.
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