Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Reposted by HIAS

International Rescue Committee - EU @eu.rescue.org · 3d

What if refugee relocation could work better for everyone?

As the EU implements the Pact on Migration & Asylum, the new Solidarity Mechanism is a chance to truly centre solidarity, between Member States, people seeking protection & host communities.

Read more 👉 lnkd.in/eTWS8mQA

@hias.org

EUROPE CAN MAKE REFUGEE RELOCATION BETTER FOR EVERYONE. Our Recommendations for the EU Solidarity Mechanism.

THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE EU PACT IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO CENTRE SOLIDARITY. When done right, relocation accelerates asylum procedures, improves access to assistance, fosters long-term integration, and benefits both newcomers and host communities.

WE HAVE EVIDENCE THAT DATA-DRIVEN RELOCATION WORKS. Letting people seeking protection express their needs and matching them with places that fit these needs improves integration and reduces the risk of repeated displacement. Overlooking preferences
only makes the process less efficient.

IT IS POSSIBLE TO MAKE RELOCATION MORE HUMANE AND MORE SUCCESSFUL. Participatory relocation projects like Re:Match
use an algorithm to match the needs and preferences of people seeking protection with cities’ capacities and opportunities.

2

HIAS @hias.org · 2d

HIAS welcomes the signing of the first phase of a ceasefire deal today.

“While the challenges ahead will be significant, may this moment open the door to healing for all communities grieving incalculable losses," shares Sivan Carmel, HIAS Israel Country Director.

Read our full statement:

HIAS Statement on the Signing of Israeli-Palestinian Ceasefire Deal

HIAS welcomes the signing of a ceasefire deal and shares in the hope of Israelis and Palestinians that it will end two years of conflict.

hias.org

2

HIAS @hias.org · 5d

"Sometimes we are afraid to feel. Because when you feel, you feel pain."

Tomorrow marks two years since October 7th, 2023. As Jewish communities around the world prepare for Sukkot, a holiday honoring welcome & community, we share some powerful reflections from our Country Director at HIAS Israel:

Two Years Later: The Wounds that Can't Heal

hias.org

1

HIAS @hias.org · 6d

“A refugee program of this nature would deliberately leave vulnerable people in danger all around the world, rendering it unrecognizable.” — Naomi S., HIAS Vice President of U.S. Policy and Advocacy, on reports of record low refugee admissions planned for FY2026

Proposals for Refugee Program Betray a Legacy of Lifesaving Assistance

HIAS is deeply concerned by reports that the Trump Administration plans to slash refugee admissions to a historic low of 7,500 people.

hias.org

3 3

HIAS @hias.org · 7d

The Trump administration plans to slash refugee admissions to record low levels. Read more:

Trump Administration Is Said to Plan to Cut Refugee Admissions to a Record Low

www.nytimes.com

1

HIAS @hias.org · 7d

A critical reminder from our friends at CWS: No president other than Trump, regardless of party, has ever set a refugee admissions goal below 60,000.

Read more in response to the Trump admin’s plan for refugee admissions:

Planned Refugee Goal Would be a Historic Failure of Humanitarian Principles, Would Prioritize Political Ties Over True Danger  | CWS

cwsglobal.org

1 3

Reposted by HIAS

HIAS+JCORE @hiasjcore.bsky.social · 8d

We are shocked and heartbroken by yesterday’s horrific attack in Manchester. Our hearts go out to the Jewish community in Manchester and all those affected at this incredibly difficult time – may the memory of those killed be a blessing. We desperately hope that those injured make a full recovery.

1 1 7

HIAS @hias.org · 15d

BREAKING 🚨 We’re disappointed to see today’s ruling from the Supreme Court that will pave the way for the Trump admin to withdraw $4 billion in foreign aid.

But today’s decision is not final — we will continue to fight for displaced people
around the world.

Supreme Court clears way for Trump to withhold $4B in foreign aid approved by Congress

The ruling is not a final decision on the broader question of the president’s power to unilaterally “impound” congressionally appropriated funding.

www.politico.com

1 4

HIAS @hias.org · 15d

Every action, no matter how small, helps make our communities stronger 🤲 Repost to share this important reminder.

Digital note titled "6 ways to stand up to xenophobia" with a list including learning about cultures, visiting diverse stores, addressing xenophobia when witnessed, volunteering locally, and supporting diverse online accounts.

1 8

HIAS @hias.org · 24d

Meet Jessica, Giselt, and Laura 👋

In Ecuador, finishing higher education is a big step towards integrating into a new community for people who have been displaced.

With support from HIAS and the DAFi scholarship program, these students are focused on launching careers & pursuing their dreams:

In Ecuador, Scholarships Help Displaced Students Level Up

HIAS supports displaced students with the DAFI scholarship program in Ecuador.

hias.org

1 2

Reposted by HIAS

Refugee Council USA @rcusa.bsky.social · 25d

Today, 78 organizations released a joint letter to Congress calling for urgent action to restore the USRAP and protect refugees around the globe in response to troubling signals from the administration.

Read the joint letter and our statement on our website: rcusa.org/news-and-med...

2 3

HIAS @hias.org · 29d

"If someone comes to the border of any country because they are fleeing on the basis of race, religion, nationality, social group or political opinion, they have the right to protection. If it were to change, we'd be back to the situation we were in during the Holocaust." @mjhetfield.bsky.social

Exclusive: Trump administration plans push at UN to restrict global asylum rights

President Donald Trump's administration plans to call for sharply narrowing the right to asylum at the United Nations later this month, documents show, as it seeks to undo the post-World War Two framework around humanitarian protection.

www.reuters.com

2 4

HIAS @hias.org · Sep 9

A new U.S. ruling just stripped away decades of protection for women and girls seeking asylum. Here’s what you should know:

The Trump Administration’s Attack on Female Asylum Seekers — What You Need to Know

A recent decision by the Trump Administration's Board of Immigration Appeals places female asylum seekers at risk of greater violence.

hias.org

3

Reposted by HIAS

VOICE (Voluntary Organisations In Cooperation in Emergency) @voiceeu.bsky.social · Sep 9

On International Day to Protect Education from Attack, we reaffirm the crucial role of education – even in the hardest contexts. VOICE is proud of members like @planbelgium.bsky.social
@savechildreneu.bsky.social @hias.org, and many more, who keep learning alive in crises.

🟠 Education brings hope.

2 5

HIAS @hias.org · Sep 5

As one of the plaintiffs in this case, HIAS is proud of this outcome, and won't stop fighting to ensure refugees and conflict-affected people around the world have access to food, medicine, clean water, education, and other basic needs.

#HumanitarianAid #ForeignAid

Judge orders Trump administration to release billions in foreign aid approved by Congress

The Trump administration must release billions of dollars in foreign aid approved by Congress, including money that President Donald Trump said last week he won’t spend

www.washingtonpost.com

1

HIAS @hias.org · Aug 26

Rahman* spent 11 years fighting for safety in the U.S. and to reunite with his children.

Today, Rahman and all four of his children are finally together, building their future in the U.S. — read his story:

Racing Against the Clock, a Chadian Family Reunites

After 11 years and many setbacks, Rahman and his four sons are finally together, safe, in the United States.

hias.org

3

HIAS @hias.org · Aug 22

When neighbors step up, communities thrive.

Through community sponsorship, everyday Americans are opening doors, building friendships, and helping newcomers find home 🤲

See how this model is transforming lives in Chicago: hias.org/news/new-rep...

2

HIAS @hias.org · Aug 21

“Stripping critical food assistance forces refugees and asylees into the shadows of informal work, labor exploitation, and hunger that weakens our workforce and denigrates our moral obligation." — Nicolas P., HIAS Policy Council on denying food stamps to refugees and asylees.

Most refugees and asylees will be denied food stamps under Trump’s new law • Stateline

President Donald Trump’s massive domestic policy law removes eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, otherwise known as food stamps, for most asylees and refugees, who enter the...

stateline.org

1

HIAS @hias.org · Aug 19

For #WorldHumanitarianDay, we asked our colleagues one question: Why do you do this work?

Their answers say it all 💭

Right now, humanitarian work has never been more critical — and we’ll keep showing up, because we believe all refugees deserve welcome and safety.

3

HIAS @hias.org · Aug 18

This is what happens when hope gets ripped away at the last moment.

But Elaheh and Mehran are still fighting. Elaheh’s sister is still fighting. And HIAS is still fighting in the courts, in Congress, and in communities to welcome them and all our clients who were left stranded.

HIAS @hias.org · Aug 18

They quit their jobs, gave up their apartment, sold what little they had. Their flight was set for February 4, 2025.

But on his first day in office, Trump announced he would halt the U.S. refugee admissions, and their flights were canceled.

1 1

HIAS @hias.org · Aug 18

‼️ Two weeks and one day. That’s how close Elaheh and Mehran were to having a chance to rebuild their lives in safety.

After fleeing Iran for their religion, they waited years in Malaysia with no rights, no healthcare, and no safety. Then Elaheh’s sister was approved to bring them to the U.S.

1 1

HIAS @hias.org · Aug 14

What’s it really like to seek safety in the U.K.? For the 646.000 displaced people living here, the answer is complicated.

Learn more about the current landscape and how @hiasjcore.bsky.social is helping displaced people rebuild their lives👇

Refugees in the United Kingdom: What You Need to Know

Learn more about the current landscape for refugees in the U.K. and how HIAS+JCORE provides support to displaced people.

hias.org

1 2

HIAS @hias.org · Aug 6

Refugee resilience 🤝 opportunity

After a hurricane destroyed her work vehicle, Rixcia received a grant from HIAS EAF designed to help small business owners recover from the disaster. Today she’s leading a team of 30 drivers, providing jobs & creating economic opportunities in her community.

HIAS @hias.org · Aug 1

As soul-crushing as it is to read the devastation recorded in Lamentations, the book compels us to end on a note of hope. It sensed that the devastation of a nation would not be permanent – that it would take years, but we would rebuild.

More on Tisha B'Av from HIAS' Rabbi in Residence:

'How Did We Get Here?' Reflections on Tisha B'Av

On Tisha B'av, we do more than just remember an event from history. We also must acknowledge our present-day challenges.

hias.org

1