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

March 2020

HIAS' COVID-19 Response
 
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.

As the situation around COVID-19 changes every day, so do our response pages. Check HIAS.org for the latest info on our operations.

40th Anniversary of the Refugee Act of 1980
 
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.
'Everything Is Different': One Refugee's Journey Out of Extreme Poverty
 
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.
On International Women's Day, Celebrate Women — And Do More To Protect Them
 
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.
 
 

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), weaves our ancient story together with the current-day struggles of millions around the world.


Prepare for Passover With The HIAS Haggadah

 More news and stories on our blog.

In case you missed it:

  • The Refugee Act Reminds Us To Not Forget Our Humanity — Especially Now 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 RefugeesTensions 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 ShabbatOn 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:

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

 

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

 
 
supporter