A family of eight refugees, originally from Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, has finally begun a new life in the United States—thanks to the extraordinary efforts of HIAS and Jewish Family Services of Western Massachusetts (JFSWM), both proud member agencies of The Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies.

After spending two decades in a refugee camp in Zimbabwe, the family’s long-awaited journey culminated in their arrival at a Connecticut airport earlier this month. Their resettlement marks the first case facilitated by HIAS since President Trump’s second-term pause of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program on January 20. The arrival was made possible through Pacito v. Trump, a lawsuit filed by HIAS and other plaintiffs challenging the administration’s halt of refugee admissions.

JFSWM welcomed the family at the airport and had prepared extensively for their arrival—securing housing and connecting them with members of the local Rwandan and Congolese communities. The agency will continue to provide support in the coming months as the adults begin employment and the children enroll in school.

As member agencies of The Network, HIAS and JFSWM exemplify the power of a united Jewish human service sector committed to protecting vulnerable populations, advancing human dignity, and welcoming the stranger. Their work stands as a testament to the vital role our agencies play in helping families rebuild their lives in safety and with hope.

While this is a joyful milestone, it also serves as a solemn reminder of the more than 125,000 refugees who were approved for travel before the Trump administration’s policy shift, but remain stranded. HIAS continues to fight for them—in the courts, in Congress, and across communities nationwide.

Jewish tradition teaches us that “to save one life is to save a world.” We celebrate this victory for one family, while standing firm in our commitment to all those still waiting for their chance at a new beginning.