Not so much. HIAS is greatly concerned with the security of the Jewish state. As for the security of gentile states, it seems not so much.
COMMENT: Now, it is true that HIAS indeed has a section on its website related to Israel. After clicking on a couple of links, the following information is provided:
HIAS in Israel
Today, now that the Israeli government and the Jewish Agency have assumed full responsibility for immigration and absorption of olim, HIAS is using our expertise to help the country develop a humane admission system for refugees and asylum seekers that adheres to international legal standards and protects the security of the state. According to UNHCR, there are 55,000 refugees in Israel: roughly 36,000 from Eritrea, 15,000 from Sudan, and 4,000 from other African countries.
Assistance to Individual Refugees in Israel
HIAS meets with individuals and families (mostly from Eritrea and Sudan) to help them evaluate options for reuniting with family in other countries, including the United States, Canada, Italy, Australia, Switzerland, and Sweden.
So while refugee resettlement lies at the heart of HIAS’ work in the U.S., it is not a priority for HIAS in Israel. In israel, HIAS is merely willing to meet with the African refugees to help them reunite with their family in western countries, but not to help them resettle in the Zionist state. There are no appeals by rabbis telling the Knesset to keep Israel’s doors open for the refugees, urging them to prioritize refugee resettlement, protection, and human rights. No pre drafted personal letter to send to their Member of the Knesset.
So much for being guided by history and the Jewish value of “welcoming the stranger.”
If you’re looking for a clue that explains this difference, HIAS itself reveals it in the following:
HIAS is using our expertise to help [Israel] develop a humane admission system for refugees and asylum seekers that adheres to international legal standards and protects the security of the state.
I looked all over, but I couldn’t find a similar qualifier for HIAS’ work in the US.
