This year, for the first time in recorded history, the number of displaced people around the world is more than 100 million. In Ukraine alone, more than a third of the population has been displaced as a result of the ongoing conflict. At the U.S.-Mexico border, thousands of individuals and families are still unlawfully denied the right to seek asylum, and around the world people continue to flee from persecution, oppression, and violence.

It is easy to feel hopeless in the face of such devastation, but the global Jewish community has risen to meet the challenge of this moment with creativity and generosity, finding ways to support and welcome refugees at all stages along their journey.

In this spirit, I invite you to take part in HIAS’ Fifth Annual Refugee Shabbat, February 3-4, 2023. Refugee Shabbat is an opportunity to join thousands of individuals and hundreds of congregations to raise awareness, celebrate our advocacy efforts, and recognize the powerful work that is being done across the world to create communities of welcome in the face of this unprecedented need.

Everyone who registers on our website will have access to HIAS’ growing library of Refugee Shabbat resources, including sermon/d’var Torah talking points, text studies, and action and program ideas for individuals, families, and communities.

Please register to participate in next year’s Refugee Shabbat to join the vibrant, growing, global Jewish movement acting in solidarity with refugees, asylum seekers, and the forcibly displaced.

Bo’u netaken et ha’olam b’yachad – let us repair this world together.

With gratitude,