Advocacy

HIAS Statement on New Executive Order Targeting Refugees

Mar 06, 2017

In response to the second executive order, which will further reduce the number of refugees who will find a life in safety and freedom, HIAS President and CEO Mark Hetfield issued the following statement: “The language of the ban is slightly changed, but the results for refugees are the same."

200+ Kindertransport Survivors and Descendants Urge Support for Refugees

Feb 22, 2017

Over 200 Kindertransport survivors and descendants sent a letter to President Trump, urging him to keep America’s doors open to today’s refugees. “In the aftermath of World War II, the price for keeping America’s doors closed to refugees due to fear was made starkly clear. We are among the very few who were welcomed by a country and its citizens and therefore survived,” they write.

Why a Jewish Organization Is Suing to Stop the Muslim Ban

Feb 21, 2017

We cannot remain silent as Muslim refugees are turned away just for being Muslim, just as we could not stand idly by when the U.S. turned away Jewish refugees fleeing Europe during the 1930s and 40s. The Torah requires us to intervene. To stop these things from being done by our government and in our name.

HIAS Leaders Set the Record Straight in Forward LTE

Feb 02, 2017

On January 31, the Forward published a letter to the editor charging that “under Jewish law,” HIAS is in “no position to judge” Trump’s executive order banning refugees because the organization has a “profit motive” and receives “millions of dollars” to admit refugees.

UPDATE: HIAS Rabbi Letter Grows to Nearly 2,000 Signers

Feb 01, 2017

More than 400 additional rabbis have signed the National Rabbinic Letter in recent days to send a powerful message to elected officials to keep America’s doors open to refugees, bringing the total to nearly 2,000.

Refugee Ban's Devastating Impact

Feb 01, 2017

"Can you please tell Mr. Trump that I have two sisters that are supposed to come here next month and they can't come if he signs the ban?” asked seven-year-old Sierra, of Grand Rapids, Michigan. "He doesn't have to be scared of refugees because they are just people like us and they need a safe place to live just like we do."

WATCH: HIAS President Mark Hetfield on MSNBC: Refugee Ban is "Vile"

Jan 30, 2017

HIAS President and CEO Mark Hetfield discussed the Trump Administration's refugee ban on MSNBC with host Ari Melber on Sunday, January 29, 2017.

How To Stand Up & Fight Back For Refugees

Jan 29, 2017

Donald Trump has issued a number of executive orders targeting vulnerable refugees and asylum seekers, which means your voice of opposition is more critical than ever. Here’s how you can help.

HIAS Outraged by Executive Order Suspending Refugee Resettlement Program

Jan 27, 2017

“With the stroke of a pen, Donald Trump has abdicated American values and American leadership on welcoming refugees,” said Mark Hetfield, President and CEO of HIAS, the global Jewish nonprofit that protects refugees.

Rallying for Refugees

Jan 26, 2017

As the politics around refugees and asylum seekers seem to get more charged by the day, it's heartening to see that Americans from coast to coast are showing loud and enthusiastic support for refugees. During Donald Trump’s first week in office, concerned citizens from across the country wasted no time letting the incoming president know they expect the United States to continue to be a place that stands up for, protects and welcomes refugees.

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