Dear John,

With your help, we made a difference for refugees and asylum seekers in 2019. We want to thank you for the inspiring ways that you took action:

• Over 32,500 of you took action online on behalf of refugees and asylum seekers.

• You spoke out in nearly 68,000 emails and tweets to Congress, petitions, and phone calls.

• 18,500 of you signed our largest single petition, calling for fair and humane processes and procedures that respect the rights of asylum seekers.

• You held 65 meetings with Members of Congress in their district offices across the country, and delivered a powerful letter signed by more than 1,200 Jewish clergy in support of asylum.

• 469 volunteers provided legal and other assistance to HIAS and our clients in our New York and Silver Spring offices.

• 32 legal volunteers provided pro-bono support to asylum seekers at the U.S.-Mexico border.

• 65 Jewish leaders traveled to the U.S.-Mexico border to learn about the impact of the administration’s new policies on people seeking asylum, and to bear witness to what they saw and speak out.

• 50 HIAS leaders - including refugees and asylees - traveled to Washington D.C. to tell their stories and advocate on Capitol Hill.

• The HIAS Welcome Campaign synagogue network grew to 445 congregations.

• 12 regional advocacy coalitions attended trainings and took strategic action in their communities.

• We held 160 educational events to raise support and awareness for refugees and asylum seekers.

• Thousands of people joined rallies and other actions for refugees and asylum seekers around the country.

We are inspired by all of you - advocates, activists, leaders, and volunteers who fought to protect the rights, safety, and dignity of refugees in 2019.  

As we move into 2020, we are grateful for your dedication and passion. To learn how you can take action with us and and help refugees and asylum seekers around the globe this year, check out our Take Action page.

Together, we will stand against hate, advocate for welcome, and build a more just and compassionate world.  

Let’s do this.