Before there was a state of Israel, HIAS had been helping Jews immigrate to Palestine – as early as 1927. In 1948, when the State of Israel was established, HIAS contributed $500,000 to the new Israeli government to transport Jewish refugees to that country, and built a dormitory for new Jewish immigrant laborers in Beersheva.

Today, HIAS continues its commitment to support immigrants (olim) through activities that benefit individuals, communities, and the nation as a whole. In addition, HIAS is a key player in the original aliyah of Ethiopia’s Jews, HIAS continues to assist Israel’s Ethiopian community with programs designed to nurture independence and self-empowerment through community-based organizations.

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