HIAS Pennsylvania

“HIAS”, which stands for “Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society”, is a Jewish organization that was created to help Jewish refugees, and, since the 1970’s – precisely because they understood what it meant to be a refugee – has been proud of their work to help refugees of all faiths and backgrounds.  The freedom to be and to practice your faith without persecution is fundamental to HIAS PA’s work.  HIAS PA is commanded as a Jewish people to welcome the stranger.  HIAS PA supports low-income immigrants of all backgrounds as they build new lives in the community.  Through immigration legal services and an array of social services, HIAS PA works to address their needs, defend their rights, and advocate for their equitable inclusion in American Society.  Our values are based on the core Jewish beliefs of “welcoming the stranger” and tzedakah (generosity, charity, and fairness).  HIAS Pennsylvania views newcomers as valuable resources, not burdens to the community.  HIAS PA believes in the dignity of the individual, compassion, empathy, tolerance, and respect.  All of this is embodied in HIAS PA’s commitment to a multicultural society.