Dear John,

I hope you and your family are well. It’s been a challenging year, and now the
family gatherings we look forward to during the High Holidays look very
different from what we are used to.

Many of us are unable to be together with our families and friends in person.
It’s hard to break with cherished traditions. I know I’m not alone in feeling a
sense of loss during these holidays, when I have no idea when I’ll be able to
safely see my parents.

In a very real way, this feeling of uncertainty and loss, and being separated
from family, is a powerful and personal reminder of the experience of the
millions of people around the world who seek refuge and asylum. The difference
is that we know that someday our lives will return to normal. People who have
fled their homes due to violence and persecution, leaving their families,
friends, homes, schools, work, churches, mosques, and synagogues behind, don’t
know if that day will ever come.

It’s up to us to give these people hope that someday things will return to
normal for them too. Striving to uphold our Jewish values, HIAS works every day
to advocate for and provide critical support to refugees as they build new
lives. With record numbers of displaced people, at our own borders and around
the globe, our work remains as important as ever. We hope you’ll take a moment to sign our pledge to support displaced families
during this difficult time:

Click here to sign our pledge to support refugees and asylum seekers.
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The pandemic has amplified the already-difficult struggles of displaced people —
putting millions of families who don't have access to adequate shelter, clean
water, and other basic essentials at a high risk of contracting the deadly
virus. As much as we can during this difficult time, it is important that we
reach out to provide assistance during refugees’ hour of need. In the coming
year, HIAS will continue to provide legal aid, resettlement assistance, and
other crucial support for refugees in need — no matter what urgent situations
they may face.

As we begin the new year in a time of great uncertainty and change for everyone,
we recommit ourselves to hear the call — and heed the call — to provide help and
hope to every person seeking safety and freedom.

Please, take a moment to stand with HIAS to support refugees and asylum seekers
by adding your name to our pledge.
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Wishing you and your loved ones a safe and healthy year,

Melanie Nezer
Senior Vice President, Public Affairs

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