Dear John,

Today is World Humanitarian Day, a day to commemorate humanitarian workers around the world who have been killed or injured in the line of their work, and honor those who continue to work every day to alleviate suffering and provide vital support in difficult situations.

This year, World Humanitarian Day takes on additional meaning as we think about the unprecedented challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic has created for refugees and humanitarian workers alike.

Responding to the novel social, financial and medical hardships facing refugees, HIAS teams around the world have leveraged long-standing relationships to continue providing essential support. For example, our lifesaving community-based work supporting Darfurian refugees for the past 15 years has helped us build trust with the majority-Muslim refugee community in Chad. That trust has allowed HIAS Chad to navigate cultural barriers and provide immediate relief in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

In these moments of crisis, HIAS’ strength comes from our longevity. Since 1881, we’ve supported displaced people worldwide – and it’s crucial that we remain in place to build on the work and relationships we’ve established. That’s why we’re asking for your support:

In honor of World Humanitarian Day, will you make a gift of $18 or more right now to help provide refugees and asylum seekers with the support they need to rebuild their lives in dignity, safety and freedom?

Every day, our teams at HIAS work tirelessly to support displaced families in over 15 countries. In Latin America, we’re partnering with churches and other local faith-based organizations to provide food and other critical services to address the rising need created by the pandemic. We also provide one-on-one counseling, legal aid and other vital assistance to help refugees and asylum seekers build strong, resilient futures – and we’re continuing similar work across the globe.

HIAS is fully dedicated to supporting displaced refugees and asylum seekers with dignity, no matter what challenge may come their way. We know you share our commitment to this fight, so we’re counting on your support as we celebrate World Humanitarian Day:

Make a contribution of $18 or more today – anything you can spare helps – to provide vital assistance to refugees and asylum seekers in their journey for freedom from persecution, during this crisis and beyond.

Thank you for supporting our work for refugees and asylum seekers.

Warmly,

Raphael Marcus Senior Vice President, Programs