Dear John,
Across our communities, we are adjusting to the new reality of our global health pandemic and all of its challenges and uncertainties. In such difficult times, we sincerely hope you and your loved ones are staying healthy and safe.
COVID-19 threatens every one of us, and our loved ones. Most of us should be able to weather this storm from the safety of our homes, armed with soap and sanitizer, fridges stocked with food, and our friends and family just a quick phone call away. Refugees, however, who couldn't make ends meet before, will now face even greater challenges.
Right now, there are 70 million people around the world who, having fled persecution and violence, face extraordinary risks from this dangerous pandemic.
For refugees and asylum seekers, the threat of the coronavirus is inescapable. Refugees in crowded overseas camps cannot protect themselves through social distancing. Thousands of asylum seekers stuck in detention centers won’t be able to prevent the virus from spreading. And those whom the Trump administration has pushed into cramped shelters across our southern border have nowhere to go.
But we promise you this: No matter how long the coronavirus outbreak lasts, HIAS will continue to do everything we can to help refugees rebuild their lives in freedom, dignity and safety – from providing lifesaving services, counseling and legal assistance to preventing gender-based violence. Today we are asking for your support to make this crucial work possible:
Thank you for your support in these difficult times.
Mark Hetfield
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