Israel

Israel

Legal aid program staff meet to discuss outreach to the asylum seeker community in HIAS' Tel Aviv, Israel office. (HIAS Israel)
HIAS Israel | Asylum Seekers In Israel | Support For Refugees In Israel

Country Director

Sivan Carmel

Office Location

Tel Aviv

Founded

1950

Staff Size

14

Connect

info-il@hias.org

+972-3-6911322

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. The COVID-19 crisis hit the asylum seeker community particularly hard, as over 70 percent lost their jobs and continue to be impacted by the resurging waves of the pandemic.

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.

1,435

people helped directly in 2021

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.

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.

Refugee Legal Support | HIAS

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.

HIAS Advocacy Courthouse 2020 | Advocate For Refugee Rights | HIAS Advocacy Work

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.

Refugee Legal Support | HIAS

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.

Resources

Aug 23, 2022

Podcast Episode: Seeking Asylum in Israel

Aug 23, 2022

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.

Read Full Article
HIAS Israel's deputy director Nimrod Avigal (R) helps a Sudanese asylum seeker fill out forms to get temporary residency status. January 2021. (HIAS Israel)

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.

Ilia Ryzka, who has autism and cerebral palsy, hugs his mother, Zoia, in the yard of the L'Arche house where his family stays with other refugees from Ukraine on May 30, 2022 in Wieliczka, Poland. (Betsy Joles for HIAS)

Give Now

Ilia Ryzka, who has autism and cerebral palsy, hugs his mother, Zoia, in the yard of the L'Arche house where his family stays with other refugees from Ukraine on May 30, 2022 in Wieliczka, Poland. (Betsy Joles for HIAS)

Help HIAS provide vital services to refugees and asylum seekers around the world