The joint EUJS-HIAS service program enables a cohort of young European Jews to volunteer at HIAS field offices, possibly in Ecuador, Greece or Panama for a period of 8 to 10 weeks during the summer of 2020. The program seeks to increase opportunities for Jewish European youth (aged 18-35) to get involved in humanitarian relief efforts around the world through the lens of two organizations that are guided by Jewish values and history.
Program Contents
Participants will be placed in HIAS field offices where they will be given the opportunity to enhance their knowledge of forced migration, develop skills in humanitarian relief work, and serve refugees and displaced people on the ground. Participants will receive a pre-deployment orientation in Brussels, which will include meetings with some of the major humanitarian actors. The actual field assignments will contain a mixture of both service-oriented and office-based tasks. While the exact content of the program and work being done depends on where the participant is placed, the overall goal is to have participants gain hands-on field experience, including direct work with beneficiaries. However, final tasks will be determined by the supervisor in the HIAS field office and will need to address the direct needs of the respective operation. Following the placement in the field, participants are expected to participate in an EUJS advocacy seminar.
Financial Aspects
HIAS Europe will arrange travel to the location of the service placement as well as provide a small living allowance. Participants will be responsible themselves for their health and evacuation insurance and possible visa costs.
Participant Requirements
HIAS and EUJS will jointly select the most suitable candidates. Selection criteria include:
- Between the age of 18-35 years
- Availability for 8-10 weeks during the 2020 summer
- Previous experience with humanitarian/social justice issues is advantageous
- Prior work or volunteer experience with a NGO is advantageous
- Demonstrated commitment to social justice issues
- Be flexible to be deployed in duty stations with difficult living conditions
Excellent English writing skills; Spanish proficiency required for Ecuador and Panama; Arabic, Farsi, French and Russian language proficiency are all advantageous
About HIAS
HIAS is a global Jewish nonprofit that protects refugees whose lives are in danger for being who they are. HIAS works in 15 countries around the world to help refugees rebuild their lives in safety and advocates to ensure that all displaced people are treated with dignity. HIAS Europe supports HIAS’ humanitarian work around the world, liaises with EU institutions and brings European Jews together in support of refugees.
About EUJS
The European Union of Jewish Students is the peer-led and democratic umbrella organization of Jewish Student Unions in 36 countries, representing 160.000 young Jews between 18-35 years across Europe. EUJS advocates for Jewish rights, human rights, and youth rights and seeks to strengthen Jewish communities and European society through Jewish student activism.
