Dear RJ,

I am writing to you with wishes for a Happy Hanukkah – as we light the first candle tonight – and with an invitation to save a few dates for some incredible programs taking place in early 2023. 

In January, HIAS is honored to be joined by Sarah Botstein, who in partnership with Ken Burns and Lynn Novick, co-directed and produced PBS’ The U.S. and the Holocaust. Ahead of International Holocaust Remembrance Day, we’ll discuss America’s response to one of the greatest humanitarian crises of the twentieth century. 

In February, we hope you’ll join HIAS and congregations, organizations, and individuals around the world for Refugee Shabbat (February 3 – 4). Over this Shabbat, we will collectively reckon with American willingness – today and in our recent past – to provide a safe haven to those in need of safety and celebrate the work of our Jewish movement for refugees through joy and power. More details regarding each program follow below.

Merrill Zack
Vice President, Community Engagement

P.S. There is still time to join our HIAS Community Virtual Candle Lighting celebration on December 20! Click here to sign up.

The U.S. and The Holocaust: A Discussion with Co-Director Sarah Botstein
January 24, 2023 | 4:00 pm ET / 1:00 pm PT | Webinar

The U.S. and The Holocaust, a recently-released documentary series from Ken Burns, Lynn Novick, and Sarah Botstein asks the American people to examine their response to one of the greatest humanitarian crises of the twentieth century.

In honor of International Holocaust Remembrance Day 2023, join HIAS in exploring critical questions regarding the consequences of public indifference, bureaucratic red tape, and restrictive immigration laws in the United States then and now.

Co-director and producer Sarah Botstein, historian and author Rebecca Erbelding join HIAS Welcome Circle Liaison Marian Abernathy in conversation with HIAS Director of Clergy and Congregations Rabbi Sarah Bassin for this important discussion.

Advance registration required. Please click here to RSVP.

Information Session: Volunteering in the D.C. Area
January 11, 2023 | 7:30 pm ET | Zoom Meeting

HIAS supports over 300 asylum seekers and forcibly displaced persons in the D.C. area with free legal representation. Whether you are an educator or attorney, speak a foreign language (our highest need is for volunteers who speak Amharic, Dari, French, Pashto, and/or Spanish), or are interested in welcoming newcomers into your community, we invite you to take the first step toward becoming a HIAS volunteer by joining a mandatory information session.

Advance registration required and you must be located in the Greater Washington, D.C. area. Please click hereto RSVP.

In February…

Refugee Shabbat 2023
February 3 – 4, 2023 | Various Locations

Refugee Shabbat is a moment for congregations, organizations, and individuals in the United States and around the world to dedicate a Shabbat experience to refugees and asylum seekers. This year, for the first time ever, the total number of displaced persons globally is over 100 million. This is a critical moment for all of us to reaffirm and redouble our support for refugees and asylum seekers.

Please click here and scroll down to the form to register.

HIAS Book and Film Club
February, 10, 2023 | 12:00 pm ET / 9:00 am PT | Group Meeting

Join us for a facilitated session of the HIAS Book and Film Club on Friday, February 10, 2023 to discuss the PBS series, The U.S. and the Holocaust,that examines America’s response to one of the greatest humanitarian crises of the twentieth century.

This three-part documentary series by Ken Burns, Lynn Novick, and Sarah Botstein, asks critical questions regarding the consequences of public indifference, bureaucratic red tape, and restrictive immigration laws in America in the 1930s and 1940s. Watch the trailer here.

Advance registration required. Please click here to RSVP.

Find out how you can support HIAS

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