Middle East

Finally Some Good News for Sudanese Asylum Seekers in Israel

Jan 13, 2022

Asylum seekers in Israel don’t often receive good news, but now 2,445 Sudanese asylum seekers are being granted temporary residence status in 2022.

Ahead of Passover, Jews Rally for African Asylum Seekers

Mar 28, 2018

On the evening of Tuesday, March 27, dozens of American Jews gathered outside the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C. to show solidarity with African asylum seekers in Israel facing deportation.

Opposition to Israel’s Deportation Plans Gathers Strength

Feb 26, 2018

Over 20,000 people gathered in South Tel Aviv on Saturday, February 24, to demonstrate against the Israeli government's plans to forcibly deport African refugees and asylum seekers

Israel’s Latest Measures Against African Asylum Seekers Face Renewed Opposition

Dec 07, 2017

“There has always been a campaign of social and political marginalization on the part of the Israeli government,” explained Sivan Carmel, country director for HIAS Israel, “but this is an escalation.”

Strategic Litigation Brings Results for HIAS Israel, and Hope to Asylum Seekers

Jul 10, 2017

HIAS Israel and its network of attorneys are working toward meaningful change in how the country treats the refugees within its borders, making asylum more accessible to those in need of protection.

Rabbi Jennie Rosenn in Haaretz: Why American Jews Must Oppose Trump's Ban

Feb 03, 2017

HIAS VP of Community Engagement Rabbi Jennie Rosenn published an op-ed in Haaretz on Friday, February 3, calling on the Jewish community to stand up to President Trump’s refugee ban.

Stories of Strength, Survival and Success: Asylum Seekers in Israel

Jul 25, 2016

After escaping persecution in Eritrea, Asmait made her way to Israel, where she became a custodian in a neighborhood school. Despite her hard work, the students teased her ruthlessly. Their attitudes changed only after a teacher asked Asmait to share her story with them. “It felt strengthening,” explained Asmait. “I knew then that the reason people are not happy to see us is just because they do not know our story.”

LGBT Syrian Refugee Makes History at the U.N.

Sep 11, 2015

Subhi Nahas, a Syrian refugee who HIAS resettled to the United States, recently became one of the first people in history to address the U.N. Security Council on the subject of LGBT persecution. Nahas, a gay man who fled ISIS, was resettled by HIAS and our partners at Jewish Family & Children's Services of the East Bay only three months ago.