Personal Stories

Welcoming Refugees, One Word At A Time

HIAS volunteer and English tutor Carol Barker has developed strong bonds with Larissa Lakouetene, a resettled refugee from the Central African Republic.

Voices from Aruba: HIAS, Clients Work Together Through Pandemic

Dec 14, 2020

HIAS established an office on the island in 2019 to help Venezuelan refugees. Now HIAS Aruba is feeling the impact of COVID-19 and pivoting to meet the need in different ways. Here are some "voices" from Aruba to explain.

Opinion: A Biden Appointee Who Carries the Jewish Story Itself

Dec 09, 2020

In an op-ed originally published in New York Jewish Week, HIAS President and CEO Mark Hetfield, writes about how former HIAS Board Member Alejandro Mayorkas, nominated to lead the Dept. of Homeland Security, is uniquely suited to lead the department and restore respect for human rights.

Book & Film Club: Jessica Goudeau, After the Last Border

Dec 02, 2020

Dr. Jessica Goudeau, discusses her book "After the Last Border: Two Families and the Story of Refuge in America" with the HIAS Book and Film Club.
After 17 Years, A New Country, A New Home

After 17 Years, A New Country, A New Home

A Jewish-Muslim-Christian refugee story: meet Jalal, Kamal, and the communities that welcomed them with open arms.

Both History and Present Show Why We Should Help Refugees

Jan 27, 2020

One student tries to find new ways to get involved in the American Jewish movement for refugees and asylum seekers.

Playwright Sees Today's Immigration Issues in Her Family History

Jan 17, 2020

Bena Shklyanoy transformed her family history in the former Soviet Union into a play whose themes are connected to HIAS and today's immigration issues.

Innovative HIAS Program Helps Lift Venezuelan Refugees Out of Poverty

Jan 06, 2020

UNHCR recognizes the success stories of families in HIAS Ecuador's Graduation Model refugee integration and poverty prevention program.
Lee Bycel, Refugees in America

Human Stories: Refugees in Their Own Words

Nov 08, 2019

Lee Bycel is telling the world about refugees by telling their stories in his new book.

WATCH: Melanie Nezer's TED Talk on Why Asylum is a Fundamental Right

Jul 30, 2019

HIAS Senior Vice President for Public Affairs Melanie Nezer shares an urgently needed historical perspective on the crisis at the southern U.S. border.

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