HIAS Europe

Civilians must be protected. No matter what. We are devastated by the escalating violence in the Middle East. As always, our hearts are with civilians everywhere, who deserve to be protected. We're monitoring the situation as it evolves to determine the impact on the vulnerable populations that we serve.

We’re proud to celebrate Zwischenstopp, a documentary created with support from the HIAS Europe + Nevatim 2024 activist grant programme. The film gives voice to Ukrainian refugees in Germany, exploring displacement, integration, and mental health through the unique format of group therapy sessions. It not only sheds light on the personal struggles of adapting to life away from home but also challenges the stigma around seeking psychological support. As the filmmakers Harri Kraievets, Andrėja Šaltytė, and Tomash Hazhlinskynow prepare to bring Zwischenstopp to film festivals across Europe, we wish them every success! #ukraine #refugeeswelcome #refugees #mentalhealth

Humanitarian action is under attack.   Across the globe, civilians and aid workers continue to face violence, while violations of International Humanitarian Law go unpunished. Humanitarian organisations are squeezed by shrinking space to operate, even as needs rise to record levels.   On this #WorldHumanitarianDay, we are joining VOICE EU in urging the EU and its Member States to #ActForHumanity. Protecting humanitarians is not optional, it is essential if life-saving assistance is to reach people in crisis.   Learn more about the specific asks at: https://lnkd.in/dz95QFST    

In 2024, more than 380 humanitarian workers were killed. Many more were kidnapped, injured, or detained. It was the deadliest year on record. Local and international aid workers are being targeted in unprecedented numbers — often in blatant breaches of international humanitarian law. This is a critical moment for the humanitarian community. Our system is underfunded, overstretched, and under attack. When accountability is absent, our collective voice and action become essential. We must defend humanitarian space, demand protection for those on the frontlines, and ensure that violations do not go unanswered. #HumanitarianAid #ActForHumanity #WorldHumanitarianDay #WHD2025  #HumanRights #Accountability #NotATarget

#Gaza is facing one of the deadliest humanitarian crises of our time right before our eyes. Over 63,000 killed since Oct 2023, including 18,500+ children. Starvation is spreading as aid is blocked. This crisis needs visibility, not silence. Every number is a life, a future lost. Member States must #ActForHumanity. #WorldHumanitarianDay 🧷 VOICE Oud Loud #38: https://bit.ly/VOL38

How can ancient Jewish wisdom fuel today’s movements for justice? Our Community Engagement Fellow, Ariela, recently spent a week with 15 inspiring Jewish activists from across Europe at the Jewish Activism Summer School in Berlin exploring exactly that, from building strong coalitions to community organising. It was a powerful space to share HIAS Europe’s refugee advocacy while gaining fresh ideas, new partners, and renewed energy for tikkun olam. We will certainly use some of the ancient wisdom and tips in the coming year! #JewishActivism #RefugeeRights #TikkunOlam

People are people — equally holy and equally deserving of safety, home, and of food when they are hungry. HIAS has consistently called to release the hostages and deliver desperately-needed humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza. We do so grounded in the desire for all human life to be viewed as sacred, and we are in anguish for the pain this conflict has caused. The absolute truth: Gaza needs a massive and unobstructed aid effort to save lives. Read more from HIAS' Rabbi in Residence: https://lnkd.in/eaZZe84U

In an era of deep uncertainty and instability for refugee populations around the world, HIAS has recently notched important legal victories → in Greece, Israel, and the United States. https://lnkd.in/etK4sjzH #Humanitarian #RefugeesWelcome #AsylumSeekers #HumanRights #Displacement #Humanitarianaid #Legal #LegalAid #ActForHumanity

Jewish values teach us to uphold the humanity of each and every person. For the sake of hundreds of thousands of starving people – including the hostages – humanitarian aid must be let in immediately. https://lnkd.in/eaa88-P3

A timely reminder: seeking asylum is legal AND a fundamental human right! At the moment, several EU governments are producing hostile policies towards asylum seekers. In Greece, the parliament passed a law on July 11th that temporarily pauses asylum processing for people arriving by sea from North Africa, allowing immediate repatriation without identity registration for three months. This is a clear breach of legal and moral obligations. Meanwhile, in the Netherlands, the lower house recently approved a sweeping asylum crackdown: reducing temporary residence from five to three years, indefinitely suspending new permits, curbing family reunification, and criminalising those who offer help to undocumented migrants, including humanitarian aid workers and charity organisations. But the law and international protections are clear: everyone has the right to seek asylum, regardless of how or where they arrive. Reaffirming this is more crucial than ever.