Welcome the stranger. Protect the refugee. Our family like so many others has survived because of these words and because of the work of an organization called HIAS that has assisted refugees globally for over a century. This holiday season, as we prepare to celebrate the Jewish New Year and reflect on all that we have and are grateful for, I want to draw attention and ask our loved ones to support the important work HIAS is doing around the world.

You may be familiar with HIAS if your family is of Jewish descent and immigrated to the United States in the late 1800s or early 1900s. It was likely HIAS who helped resettle them here.  But it’s HIAS’s work today, over 100 years later, as one of the largest refugee organizations in the world helping over 1 million people each year rebuild their lives with safety and freedom that caught our attention.  

Staying true to its Jewish values and roots, HIAS has transformed into a global organization and now operates in over 20 countries. When my husband Chaim and I choose philanthropic organizations to give to, we look to those that have personal meaning to us but also ones where our gift will have the greatest, measurable impact. Here are a few of the reasons why we’ve made an ongoing commitment to HIAS: 

When Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, HIAS was there – having worked to protect refugees leaving Ukraine for over 20 years, the organization was one of the few positioned to hit the ground running and help bring people to safety. 

When Kabul fell to the Taliban in August 2020, HIAS was there – immediately activating an emergency response to address mass displacement and introducing “Welcome Circles” by partnering with community organizations in the US to resettle Afghan families.

When the Trump administration closed the border to Mexico, HIAS was there –  working both on Capitol Hill and through the US judicial system as well along the U.S. – Mexico border, providing legal aid to many asylum seekers forced to wait in Mexico for their hearings. 

When it became evident that one out of three asylum seekers and refugees experience high rates of depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorders, HIAS was there – expanding its mental health programming to meet the growing needs of refugees in their darkest moments. 

As someone who has spent the majority of my professional career working on issues related to  national security, counterterrorism and homeland security, I am all too familiar with the myths and falsehoods surrounding refugees and immigrants; that more open borders make us less secure. I am most proud of the work HIAS is doing to debunk these theories, often used for political gain. This work will become even more crucial as we approach the 2024 elections. 

Welcoming the stranger and protecting the refugee may be a Jewish value, but it’s one that is woven into the fabric of our society. Upholding these values and ensuring the legal, safe passage and resettlement of displaced persons will only make us a more vibrant, flourishing, and secure country. This is why we continue to give to HIAS and hope you will consider joining us in making a gift this holiday season. 

I am honored to serve on the Board of HIAS, this year our family is helping match any gift made to the organization during the Jewish holiday season from September 4-24th. Learn more and donate here.