This program originally aired online via Zoom on March 19, 2026 at 12:30pm Eastern.
Julie Salamon, New York Times best-selling author, sat down with the CEO of HIAS, Beth Oppenheim, to discuss her work with the refugee resettlement agency. Joining the program from Berlin, Germany, Oppenheim discussed how the organization has had to pivot due to the United States cuts to foreign aid and the closure of USAID. HIAS’ international footprint is around half of what it had previously been operating at, as recently as 2024. A decrease in resources has not hampered the organization’s energy; HIAS continues to work with agencies domestically and internationally to advocate for human rights and resettle displaced persons. In addition to casework, HIAS engages in meaningful advocacy work, using education and coalition building to push for legal protections, harness community action, and dispel harmful myths and misconceptions. HIAS was involved in recent legal challenges such as Pacito v. Trump, challenging the current administration’s efforts to dismantle the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. The organization also offers trainings and support to law-firms interested in offering pro bono immigration assistance.
HIAS was part of Oppenheim’s own family history. Her grandfather was resettled in the United States in 1941 thanks to HIAS. At a very young age, Beth was struck by the lessons of Exodus and understood that people are only made whole when they have a place they can call home. These lessons propelled her from a young age to participate in social justice work. Oppenheim received her doctorate from the University of Cape Town in South Africa, holds a Master of Science in Global Affairs from NYU, and a Bachelor of Arts in Metropolitan Studies and Hebrew and Judaic Studies from NYU. She encourages everyone who wishes to get involved with refugee assistance to visit HIAS.org.
Topics covered in this program:
- Beth Oppenheim discusses common myths and misconceptions around immigration to the United States and the reality of the legal process. Refugees must often wait for years, if not decades, until they are admitted. Each candidate undergoes an extensive background check and vetting process.
- As of early 2026, the global displaced population is at 120 million, and fewer than 3% will be resettled.
- A key part of Beth’s work in coalition building involves highlighting the common ground between Jewish and humanitarian identities. Bringing a Jewish voice and perspective into spaces where that identity is not always represented.
- Beth’s leadership of HIAS is significant; the nonprofit sector has a gap in female representation. Oppenheim hopes to mentor other women and provide the kind of career support she received.
