Plus: The Refugee Act turns 40, HIAS Ecuador marks a major success story, and
more.March 2020


[[link removed]] HIAS' COVID-19 Response
[[link removed]] Refugees are especially vulnerable to contracting COVID-19. Yet even as
countries are sealing borders and placing restrictions on travel, HIAS continues
to find ways to reach and assist displaced populations in all of the 16
countries where we operate.
Learn more about our work during the pandemic.
[[link removed]]As the situation around COVID-19 changes every day, so do our response pages.
Check HIAS.org [[link removed]] for the latest info on our operations.


[[link removed]] The 40th Anniversary of the Refugee Act of 1980
[[link removed]] On March 17, HIAS commemorated the signing of the law that established the
modern U.S. refugee resettlement system. It’s a reminder of what we as a country
can do when people of all faiths and political persuasions come together to
“welcome the stranger.”
WATCH our video about the act and read about its legacy.
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[[link removed]] One Refugee's Journey Out of Extreme Poverty
[[link removed]] Growing up in Colombia amid an armed conflict, José Miguel Palma knew he wanted
to learn a profession and support his family. Even after he fled to Ecuador as a
teenager, he held onto that seemingly unlikely goal. But today, with the support
of HIAS’ team in Ecuador, José Miguel has become an architect with a thriving
family.
Meet José Miguel and read his story.
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[[link removed]] On International Women's Day, Celebrate Women — And Do More To Protect Them
[[link removed]] International Women’s Day is a day to celebrate the vast and varied
achievements of women around the world. But it is also a chance to reflect on
the need to do more to protect displaced women and girls around the world. Learn about HIAS’ work with women and girls.
[[link removed]] Prepare for Passover With The HIAS Haggadah
[[link removed]]Passover is the Jewish people’s original story of becoming strangers in a
strange land. It is the story that reminds us that we, too, have stood in the
shoes of refugees and asylum seekers in search of safety and liberty. The HIAS
Haggadah, available to all for free at HIAS.org (or in paperback from Amazon
[[link removed]] ), weaves our ancient story together with the current-day struggles of millions
around the world.



[[link removed]]More news and stories on our blog.
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In case you missed it:

* The Refugee Act Reminds Us To Not Forget Our Humanity — Especially Now
[[link removed]] – Former congresswoman Elizabeth Holtzman, who co-authored the Refugee Act of
1980, worked with HIAS to write an opinion piece for CNN celebrating the law
and calling for continued compassion in the face of crises like the COVID-19
outbreak. Holtzman’s own family came to the United States as refugees in 1921
with the help of HIAS.

* Opinion: Both the E.U. and the United States Are Endangering Refugees
[[link removed]] – Tensions rose in Greece throughout March as thousands of refugees sought to
enter the country along its border with Turkey. Rachel Levitan, HIAS’ vice
president of international programs, described the similarities between the
situation there and the one facing asylum seekers at the U.S.-Mexico border.

* A Message for National Refugee Shabbat
[[link removed]] – On March 20 and 21, people across the United States and around the world
celebrated National Refugee Shabbat. Watch a video message from Mark
Hetfield, HIAS’ president and CEO, about the event and the importance of
standing in solidarity with refugees and asylum seekers.

Take Action:

* Start a (virtual) book club [[link removed]] to read books by and about refugees and asylum seekers. Use this list
[[link removed]] as a jumping off point for suggestions. Students in grades 2-12 can use this
guide to join the HIAS Student Refugee Virtual Book Club.
[[link removed]]
* Get Involved in pro bono work. Fill out this form [[link removed]] to volunteer.

Did you know that HIAS is on LinkedIn
[[link removed]] ? You can also find us on Instagram
[[link removed]] and Medium
[[link removed]] .



For up to the minute news and updates, follow HIAS on Facebook
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