Tag
Refugees
6 articles
The 1948 War: Israel's War of Independence
The 1948 war — Israel's War of Independence to Jews, the Nakba (catastrophe) to Palestinians — was the defining conflict of the modern Middle East, creating a state, displacing hundreds of thousands, and leaving a legacy that shapes the region today.
The Evian Conference: When the World Turned Away
In 1938, thirty-two nations met at Evian to discuss the Jewish refugee crisis — and virtually every one refused to help, foreshadowing the catastrophe to come.
The Ship St. Louis: Voyage of the Damned
In 1939, the SS St. Louis carried 937 Jewish refugees across the Atlantic — only to be turned away by Cuba, the United States, and Canada, sealing many passengers' fates.
Welcoming the Stranger: Judaism's Most Repeated Command
The Torah commands love for the stranger 36 times — more than any other commandment. From ancient Israelite law to modern refugee advocacy, Judaism's insistence on welcoming the outsider is central to its ethical vision.
Kindertransport: The Rescue of 10,000 Children
Between 1938 and 1939, Britain opened its doors to 10,000 Jewish children fleeing Nazi persecution — but not their parents. The Kindertransport saved lives and broke hearts, leaving a legacy of gratitude, grief, and survivor guilt that echoes across generations.
HIAS: From Helping Jewish Immigrants to Welcoming All Refugees
Founded in 1881 to help Jewish immigrants arriving at Ellis Island, HIAS has evolved into a leading refugee resettlement organization — driven by the Jewish imperative to welcome the stranger.