SPEAK UP
Ask your Governors and Mayors to Commit to Welcoming Refugees
Contact your governors and mayors to make sure that they will welcome refugees in your states and communities, in response to the new Executive Order.
Ask your Members of Congress to Support Refugees
The 116th Congress needs to hear from you. Send a message to your Members of Congress asking them to speak out on behalf of higher refugee admissions.
Take Action for Asylum Seekers at the Border
Find HIAS' recommendations for how to take action for asylum seekers here. Tell Congress to fight the Remain in Mexico Policy here. Also, click here to send a message to ask your Member of Congress to cosponsor the No Ban Act, which would end the Muslim and refugee bans.
Demand a Fair Asylum Process
Sign a quick petition to tell the Department of Homeland Security that the asylum process must be fair and humane.
Sign a Clergy Letter in Support of Asylum Seekers
HIAS is recruiting Rabbis, Cantors, and other Jewish Clergy to sign an urgent moral call to welcome asylum seekers. Please sign here, and then volunteer to help us deliver the letter.
Confront Misinformation about Refugees
It is up to all of us to combat hate by speaking up when confronted by misinformation and hostility towards refugees. Use this conversation guide to help you in having difficult conversations with family or friends.
Join the “Jews for Refugees” Facebook Group
Joining this group is a great way to connect with thousands of other committed individuals across the country, access up-to-the-minute information about the Jewish response to the refugee crisis, and share the actions that you are taking. Click here to join.
SHOW UP
Join our Nationwide Advocacy Campaign
Sign-up to organize an in-district meeting with your Member of Congress, demonstrating your support for refugees and asylum seekers. Follow the instructions here and we will be in touch soon with additional information and resources.
Volunteer as a Pro-Bono Attorney at the Border
If you are a lawyer, you can indicate your interest in delegations to the border to volunteer using this form, and you can find out about ongoing pro-bono opportunities in New York and Maryland here.
Attend an Event
Events in support of refugees are happening around the country. Check out the HIAS events page for upcoming events across North America, and show up to add your voice to the American Jewish movement in support of refugees.
Make an In-Kind Donation
HIAS is seeking donations of air miles, to help reunite our clients with their families. Learn about this opportunity and more on our in-kind donations page.
Rally for Refugees
It is more important than ever to display your commitment for welcoming refugees. We encourage you to take every opportunity to join local rallies and actions in support of refugees. Print “Refugees Welcome” signs and bring them with you. Or, organize a Jewish action for refugees in your city. A sample action from a HIAS Day of Action can be found here.*
ORGANIZE YOUR COMMUNITY
One of the most powerful steps you can take to help refugees is to encourage your friends, family and colleagues to get involved. Together, we can build a more powerful response to largest global refugee crisis since World War II. Here are ways you can make sure your community is part of the American Jewish movement in support of refugees.
For more information about ongoing opportunities for congregations, visit Make a Difference.
Join the HIAS Welcome Campaign
The HIAS Welcome Campaign is HIAS' most powerful network of support - more than 400 synagogues that are taking action for refugees through advocacy, direct service, community education, and tzedakah. Ask your synagogue to join the HIAS Welcome Campaign, and start receving updates and newsletters on how synagogues can make a difference at this crucial time.
Organize a Volunteer Delegation to the Border
HIAS has resources for congregations planning volunteer delegations to the border. Be in touch with Isabel Burton, Senior Director of Community Engagement Initiatives for more information.
Educate Your Community
Download and print the High Holiday liturgical reading to be shared widely. Raise awareness in your community about the global refugee crisis. HIAS has educational materials that you can use in planning programs - and may also be able to send a speaker to your community.
Participate in National Refugee Shabbat
Click here for more information about about the next National Refugee Shabbat, March 20-21, 2020.
Become a Sanctuary Congregation
Local communities can play an important role in providing assistance to those at risk of deportation. Learn about and take steps toward becoming a Sanctuary Congregation.
Hang a Banner
Broadcast your support for refugees. Hang a “Refugees Welcome” banner outside your synagoge or community organization.
*If you are planning a program, action, or congressional meeting, be in touch with Janna Diamond, Grassroots Campaigns Officer, or Rebecca Kirzner, Director of Grassroots Campaigns - who can support you and provide resources.
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