HIAS
| Founded | November 27, 1881 |
|---|---|
| Founded at | New York, New York, U.S. |
| 13-5633307 | |
| Legal status | 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization |
| Purpose | Drawing on our Jewish values and history, and working with host communities, HIAS provides vital services to refugees, asylum seekers, and other forcibly displaced and stateless persons around the world and advocates for their fundamental rights so they can rebuild their lives. |
| Headquarters | Silver Spring, Maryland, United States |
| Mark J. Hetfield | |
| Tamar Newberger | |
| Subsidiaries | Charitable Remainder Unitrust |
| Revenue | $39,923,260 (2014) |
| Expenses | $36,449,447 (2014) |
| Website | hias |
Formerly called | Hebrew Sheltering Aid Society; Hebrew Sheltering and Immigrant Aid Society; Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society; United HIAS Service, Inc.; Association for the Protection of Jewish Immigrants |
HIAS, founded as the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, is an international Jewish humanitarian nonprofit organization that provides services to refugees, asylum seekers, and displaced people. It was established between 1881 and 1903 to help Eastern European Jewish immigrants to the United States escaping antisemitic persecution and violence. In 1975, the State Department asked HIAS to aid in resettling Vietnam refugees. Since that time, the organization has continued to provide support for refugees of all nationalities, religions and ethnic origins.
Working with host communities, HIAS works with refugees, asylum seekers, and other forcibly displaced and stateless persons. HIAS has offices in the United States and across Latin America, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Since its inception, HIAS has helped resettle more than 4.5 million people.